Brassica oleracea, Italica Group

A cool-climate garden vegetable, broccoli is related to the cauliflower. The immature flower heads of sprouting broccoli, really clusters of buds, are the parts we eat. Generally, broccoli has been steamed and served hot as a vegetable. These days, it is also used in pasta sauces, salads and stir-fries.

Varieties

There are both purple-sprouting and white-sprouting cultivars. The former are the hardier and are also more productive.

Cultivation

Sprouting broccoli is a long-term crop. Sow seed in an outdoor seed bed in spring and transplant young plants to their cropping positions in early to middle of summer. Space plants 60 cm (24 in) apart each way. The plants will be ready for harvesting in the following late winter and spring. Sprouting broccoli needs very fertile soil and plants may need staking in windy locations.

Climate

Suited to zone 8.