Broccolli

This member of the Brassica family is a fantastic addition to a kitchen garden. Broccoli is often referred to as Calbrese. Best enjoyed fresh most Broccoli can be eaten raw, cooked or blended. They are generally easy to grow and they provide produce in both Spring and Autumn. Stalwarts of the kitchen garden these plants are renowned for their great flavor and can be used in many types of cookery.

If you would prefer to grow your own Broccolli please view our Links page for a dull range of plant suppliers.

How to grow

All Broccolli grow well & following a few simple rules you can ensure good growth and excellent cropping.

Position

Plant your plugs in a sunny spot that is not shaded or open to harsh winds. It is best to position Broccolli in a spot that peas or beans once occupied following a pattern of crop rotation.

Soil

All Broccolli are heavy feeders and require a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is best practice to incorporate plenty of well-rotted garden manure in the Autumn prior to planting as this will provide all the essential nutrients for growth. If you haven’t done this you can still grow Broccolli by incorporating multi-purpose compost or home made garden compost in to the soil and adding a general fertilizer. Soil should have a pH of 6.0 – 7.5 and you can add Lime to help achieve this if your soil is a touch on the acid side.

Care

Water plants regularly making sure not to over-water, Water Beads will take out the geusswork of when or how much to water. Check regularly for pests and diseases and act accordingly. You can also feed plants with a liquid seaweed feed which can help improve plant vigour and provide nutrients.

Harvesting

Harvesting will depend on the particular crop you’re growing and you should refer to their particular growing instructions.

Top Tip

Cover with netting straight after planting. These crops are a favorite food for birds and a host food for the cabbage white butterfly. Netting will help stop any damage to plants.

Broccoli Calabrese Typhoon

A late maturing variety for an extended cropping period, normally mid-September to November. The large, domed, dark green, tightly-budded heads hold very well in the garden. Calabrese variety. COOKING HINTS: Best flavor within hours of harvest and steamed not boiled.

Broccoli Marathon

An outstanding and very adaptable variety that will reliably produce a good crop of delicious densely packed heads whatever the weather throws at it! Harvest July to November. Calabrese variety.

Broccoli Red Arrow

An early-maturing, purple-red variety that will help extend the picking season, producing heavy crops of delicious, well-colored, tightly-packed spears from early March. Recommended by the RHS. Award of Garden Merit winner. COOKING HINTS: Best flavor within hours of harvest and steamed not boiled.

Broccoli Sprouting Rudolph

Harvest September-December. The spears are reliably large, flavoursome, and very good quality.

Broccoli Tendergreen

You'll find this luscious variety is highly priced at the supermarket - so why not grow your own instead! Its elongated, vitamin-packed green spears are mouthwatering steamed or eaten raw with a dip! Can use the seed as sprouting seed - indications that antioxidants are at their highest in sprouts. HEALTH BENEFITS - Antioxidant. High in vitamins A (For growth, healthy hair, skin, bones, teeth and eyes as well as resistance to respiratory infections), and C (Anti-aging, wound healing, decreasing blood cholesterol and prevention of infections. Assists the body in absorbing iron), and a good source of iron. ANTIOXIDANTS: Term used to describe a number of organic substances such as vitamins A, C and E, the mineral Selenium and Carotenoids - the pigments which color many fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are thought to help prevent cancers, heart and stroke problems by assisting in the mopping up and expulsion from the body of substances known as free radicals which can be created by exposure to various environmental pollutants. COOKING HINTS: Best flavor within hours of harvest and steamed not boiled.

De Cicco Broccoli

Rich tasting old Italian cultivar with small heads projected well above the foliage. Long harvesting period. Ideal for dips, stir fries, or steamed. For spring or fall crops. 50cm/20”. 60 days.

Gai Lohn

Broccoli-like vegetable from China. Flowering stalks, young leaves and buds are delicious steamed, boiled or fried with other vegetables, meat or on its own. Start indoors in April or sow direct after last frost.

Try our Water Beads

Blue Water Beads

Use Blue Water Beads to match or contrast with your décor. Place them in a clear pretty bowl or decorated plate with an upturned rim. Mix with other contrast colors from your overall color scheme to pull this together as a centerpiece. It will be a real conversation starter!

Clear Water Beads

Use Clear Water Beads when you just want the delivery system without making a color statement. Mix clear Water Beads with a color to create a lighter effect. Layer them with other colors to provide more visual interest.

Green Water Beads

Use Green Water Beads as a nice understory for potted plants, or a neutral color in a clear vase with a multi-colored bouquet. Layer with Clear for a lighter touch.

Melon Water Beads

Use Melon Water Beads to enhance the color of pink or red flowers, or contrast with white ones.

Orange Water Beads

Use Orange Water Beads to spice up a room. This color works well with Southwest style decorating. Layer them with Teal and Clear for a truly stunning display.

Pink Water Beads

Use Pink Water Beads for a light touch of color to complement pink flowers or contrast with white or purple ones. Put them into a clean candle jar with a tight fitting lid and decorate a little girl’s room.

Purple Water Beads

Use Purple Water Beads in urn-shaped vase as an addition to a contemplation nook. Purple is the color of spirituality and calm, so let these beautiful Water Beads become a focal point for your meditative or prayerful practice.

Teal Water Beads

Use Teal Water Beads to complement aqua and teal colored flowers – like those interesting dyed carnations! Combine with orange and white for southwest style decorating. Combine with clear to remind you of Native American turquoise and silver jewelry.