Heirloom Broccoli
Calabrese broccoli is the large-headed variety you see dominating farmer's market stalls and supermarket produce sections, and for good reason. This annual vegetable reaches harvest in just 55 days, delivering the reliable, impressive heads that make it a garden workhorse. What genuinely sets Calabrese apart isn't just the main head, though, but what happens after you cut it: the plant keeps producing abundant side shoots that yield 2 to 3 times as much broccoli as the original harvest. In full sun and container-friendly growing conditions, it transforms a single planting into a season-long supply.
Full Sun
Moderate
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Annual
High
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Calabrese broccoli delivers one substantial main head, then surprises you with prolific side shoots that keep producing for weeks after the first harvest. A mature plant consistently generates heads large enough for market standards, making it exceptionally productive for the space it occupies. The real draw is its reliability and generosity: plant it once, harvest it many times, and watch what started as a single seedling become a continuous source of fresh broccoli throughout the season.
Calabrese broccoli is a kitchen staple, equally at home steamed as a simple side dish, roasted until the florets crisp and caramelize, or chopped raw into salads. Its large, uniform heads work beautifully for meal prep and freezing, and the smaller side shoots that follow the main harvest are tender enough for quick sautés with garlic and olive oil.
Harvest the main head when it reaches full size but before the individual florets begin to separate or open into flowers; the head should feel firm and compact to the touch. Cut the central head at the base with a sharp knife, leaving the rest of the plant in place. Once you remove the main head, side shoots will begin to emerge from the leaf axils along the stem. Continue harvesting these smaller secondary heads as they reach 3 to 4 inches in length, snapping or cutting them cleanly to encourage further branching. Regular harvesting of these side shoots extends production and prevents the plant from flowering prematurely.
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