BROCCOLI and calabrese are they different or the same? Over the years, the two names have become muddled, what exactly are we talking about? So For most of the centuries that we've been growing these plants, we had broccoli, sometimes called 'sprouting broccoli'. These are tall, tough, winterhardy brassicas, grown for their small, prolific flowering spears - like mini cauliflowers that sprout from the tops of the plants and from the leaf joints below. They were invaluable as some of the few fresh vegetables that could be cropped outside in winter and spring.
Then along came calabrese. Originating in Calabria, at the foot of Italy's boot, calabrese produces a single, much larger, head - rather like a green cauliflower - at the top of shorter, unbranched plants. Although the plants are hardy, the developing heads can be damaged by frost.
Thinking that the term calabrese would put people off the new veg, supermarkets called it broccoli - as distinct from sprouting broccoli.
Optimum sowing time
So sprouting broccoli is a biennial crop; seed is sown in summer (about now), in pots or in a short row outside, and young plants are grown on and transplanted about 2ft (60cm) apart in autumn. Large and multi-branched, they can reach 3ft (90cm) in height, so sturdy support is wise. Purple or white spears are produced from to late spring. White is thought to have a better flavour but plants are smaller and less productive - and they sometimes discolour - so there are far more purple-sprouted broccolis available than white types.
Bu hikaye Amateur Gardening dergisinin July 15, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Amateur Gardening dergisinin July 15, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters