BROCCOLI ‘Green Sprouting Calabrese’ Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
Green Sprouting Calabrese is a classic heirloom sprouting broccoli prized for its rich flavour, dependable main head and prolific side shoots. It’s also one of the best broccoli varieties for sprouts and microgreens—fast to germinate, crisp-stemmed, and naturally high in nutrients. For variety comparisons and climate-based planting tips, see our
Complete Guide to Growing Broccoli Varieties in Australia.
- Heirloom sprouting type with a sizeable main head followed by continuous side shoots.
- Vigorous, cool-season growth and excellent flavour; ideal for home gardens.
- Suited to sprouts (3–5 days) and microgreens (7–14 days) for quick, nutritious harvests.
- Great for fresh use, steaming, roasting or freezing; tender stems and small to medium heads.
- Prefers consistent moisture and fertile, well-drained soil for best yield and bead quality.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Biennial vegetable grown as an annual
- Height: 60–90 cm
- Habit: Upright plants with side-shoot production after the central head
- Frost: Tolerates light frosts; quality improves in cool conditions
Sowing Information
- Sow When:
- Temperate: September – April
- Subtropical: March – July
- Tropical: April – June (best in cooler months)
- Cool: August – April
- Arid: March – July
- Germination: 7 – 10 days
- Sowing Depth: 0.5 – 1 cm
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Sow Where: Direct sow or raise in trays and transplant
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained, pH 6.0 – 7.5; enrich with compost before planting
- Spacing: 40 – 60 cm between plants
Growing Tips
- Keep soil evenly moist for steady growth and tight bead formation.
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds; feed with a balanced fertiliser, then side-dress as heads initiate.
- Harvest the central head promptly, then pick side shoots regularly to extend the season.
Harvest
60 – 90 days from sowing. Cut the main head at 10–15 cm diameter while tight; continue picking side shoots for several weeks.
Grow as Sprouts
- Soak seed 6–8 hours, then rinse and drain.
- Rinse 2–3 times daily; keep in a bright, indirect-light spot with good airflow.
- Harvest at 3–5 days when crunchy with well-formed cotyledons.
Grow as Microgreens
- Sow densely on moist seed-raising mix or coir in shallow trays; press for good seed-to-soil contact.
- Keep evenly moist (bottom watering helps). Provide bright, indirect light.
- Harvest at 7–14 days at 5–7 cm tall; snip just above the media line.
Want help choosing between Calabrese and other broccoli types (including microgreens and sprouting options)? Read our
Complete Guide to Growing Broccoli Varieties in Australia.