SPIGARIELLO LISCIA ‘Leaf Broccoli’
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea
Synonyms: Minestra Nera, Leaf Broccoli
A Southern Italian heirloom broccoli variety grown for its leaves. The flavor is something between broccoli and kale but with a tender crunchiness. It is a great cut-and-come-again vegetable as it produces over a long season. Removing the small flowering heads will extend the season. Use it steamed, in stir-fries and salads. It is easy to grow and will tolerate warmer conditions without bolting much better than regular broccoli.
Plant Type: Annual cool season crop; frost hardy
Plant Height: 75 – 100 cm
Sow When:
- Temperate: Early spring
- Subtropical: Autumn to early winter
- Tropical: Worth trying as a substitute for broccoli
Germination: 5 – 10 days
Depth: 6 – 12 mm deep
Position: Full sun
Sow Where: Directly where it is to grow; seed can also be broadcast
Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained pH 6 – 7.2; keep soil moist; add organic fertilizer
Rows: 45 cm apart
Spacing: Thin to 15 cm between plants
Harvest: Days to harvest: 21 baby leaf, 45 full size. Keep the young leaves picked to harvest over 4 to 6 weeks.
