Broccoli
Zamboni Broccoli Raab
BR094
Brassica rapa, Ruvo Group 45 days. Zamboni is a connoisseur's heirloom variety that resembles asparagus more than it does the large domed broccoli of today. It has small, turnip-like leaves, and long, tender stems topped with delicate 1 inch flower bud clusters. With a flavor reminiscent of sprouting broccoli, Zamboni is a great addition to salads or sautéed vegetable dishes. Plant from early spring to late summer. Excellent side shoot production on 22 inch tall plants.
Open Pollinated
- More Information
- Customer Reviews (0)
"Brassica oleracea, Botrytis Group
Broccoli is sometimes called the luxury crop because it's so easy to grow and it has a million dollar taste. Sow several varieties that have sequential maturity dates, so you can have a continual harvest from just one or two plantings.
CULTURE: When compared with the rest of the cole crops, broccoli is generally the most vigorous and trouble free to grow. However, early plantings are essential because it lacks tolerance to extreme heat. Generally cole crops are tolerant of acidic soils. Maintaining a pH of 6.0-6.8 will make the best use of the available nutrients.
FOR TRANSPLANTS: Start broccoli indoors or in the greenhouse about the first of February for transplanting in mid-March. Sow the seed in a sterile seedling mix, 1/4 inch deep, in individual pots. The optimum soil temperature range is 55-75°F. Days to emergence: 5-17. Keep the seedlings moist, and provide adequate nutrition. Harden off seedlings in a cold frame prior to transplanting. Set the seedlings 12-24 inches apart, in rows 18-36 inches apart. Side-dress with 1/2 cup blood meal or composted chicken manure. Young seedlings may be covered with a cloche or row cover such as Gro-Therm or Reemay. Be watchful for early hot spells, because covers can create too much heat if left unchecked.
TO DIRECT SOW: Broccoli can be directly seeded from April through mid July. Sow the seed 1/4 inch deep, 4-6 inches apart, in rows 18-36 inches apart. Cover the seed with loose soil or sifted compost. Keep the seedbed uniformly moist as rough heads or leaves in the head are usually from heat-stressed seedlings. Thin plants to 12-24 inches apart and work in 1/4-1/2 cup of our complete fertilizer or equivalent around the base of each plant.
INSECTS: See Brassica Insect Information below.
DISEASE: The home gardener can help prevent viral and fungal broccoli diseases by practicing long crop rotations, using sterile starting mixes if transplanting, and practicing general sanitation procedures.
HARVEST: Before flower buds open, cut the central head at a 45° angle. Side shoots will form from the axillary buds and should be cut regularly to encourage production. Store at 40°F and 95% relative humidity.
SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 80%. Days to maturity are calculated from transplanting date; add 25-35 days if direct seeded. Usual seed life: 3 years.
Approximately 125-175 seeds per 1/2 gram, about 250-350 seeds per gram; 28 grams per ounce.
Sampler: 1/2 gram. Packet: 4 grams.
Unless otherwise noted.
Brassica Insect Information
Aphids: Control aphids with a hard spray of water, Hot Pepper Wax, Insecticidal Soap, or Rotenone. Also, select varieties that mature later in the season when aphid populations decline.
Cabbage worms, loopers, and root maggots: The first sign of cabbage worms will be white diamond-back moths fluttering near the plants. They lay eggs in the soil, which hatch into worms that can cause severe root and head damage. To control light infestations, spray plants with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT). For heavy infestations, bait cabbage worms by mixing wheat bran into a BT solution. Add 1 tablespoon of molasses. Broadcast the bran mixture around the base of plants. Reapply as necessary. Using Reemay or Grow Guard 20, can also provide control.
Flea beetles: Flea beetles chew tiny pinholes in leaves. Early control is essential to minimize the damage. Spray young plants with Rotenone or Rotenone-Pyrethrin every 2 days. Using floating row covers such as Summer Insect Barrier can also provide control.
Symphylans: In some areas of the US, symphylans (also known as garden centipede) can severely retard the plant growth of cole crops. Only 1/4 inch long, white, and very active, they eat the root hairs of developing plants. Contact your local county extension agent if you suspect you have a problem."
Broccoli is sometimes called the luxury crop because it's so easy to grow and it has a million dollar taste. Sow several varieties that have sequential maturity dates, so you can have a continual harvest from just one or two plantings.
CULTURE: When compared with the rest of the cole crops, broccoli is generally the most vigorous and trouble free to grow. However, early plantings are essential because it lacks tolerance to extreme heat. Generally cole crops are tolerant of acidic soils. Maintaining a pH of 6.0-6.8 will make the best use of the available nutrients.
FOR TRANSPLANTS: Start broccoli indoors or in the greenhouse about the first of February for transplanting in mid-March. Sow the seed in a sterile seedling mix, 1/4 inch deep, in individual pots. The optimum soil temperature range is 55-75°F. Days to emergence: 5-17. Keep the seedlings moist, and provide adequate nutrition. Harden off seedlings in a cold frame prior to transplanting. Set the seedlings 12-24 inches apart, in rows 18-36 inches apart. Side-dress with 1/2 cup blood meal or composted chicken manure. Young seedlings may be covered with a cloche or row cover such as Gro-Therm or Reemay. Be watchful for early hot spells, because covers can create too much heat if left unchecked.
TO DIRECT SOW: Broccoli can be directly seeded from April through mid July. Sow the seed 1/4 inch deep, 4-6 inches apart, in rows 18-36 inches apart. Cover the seed with loose soil or sifted compost. Keep the seedbed uniformly moist as rough heads or leaves in the head are usually from heat-stressed seedlings. Thin plants to 12-24 inches apart and work in 1/4-1/2 cup of our complete fertilizer or equivalent around the base of each plant.
INSECTS: See Brassica Insect Information below.
DISEASE: The home gardener can help prevent viral and fungal broccoli diseases by practicing long crop rotations, using sterile starting mixes if transplanting, and practicing general sanitation procedures.
HARVEST: Before flower buds open, cut the central head at a 45° angle. Side shoots will form from the axillary buds and should be cut regularly to encourage production. Store at 40°F and 95% relative humidity.
SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 80%. Days to maturity are calculated from transplanting date; add 25-35 days if direct seeded. Usual seed life: 3 years.
Approximately 125-175 seeds per 1/2 gram, about 250-350 seeds per gram; 28 grams per ounce.
Sampler: 1/2 gram. Packet: 4 grams.
Unless otherwise noted.
Brassica Insect Information
Aphids: Control aphids with a hard spray of water, Hot Pepper Wax, Insecticidal Soap, or Rotenone. Also, select varieties that mature later in the season when aphid populations decline.
Cabbage worms, loopers, and root maggots: The first sign of cabbage worms will be white diamond-back moths fluttering near the plants. They lay eggs in the soil, which hatch into worms that can cause severe root and head damage. To control light infestations, spray plants with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT). For heavy infestations, bait cabbage worms by mixing wheat bran into a BT solution. Add 1 tablespoon of molasses. Broadcast the bran mixture around the base of plants. Reapply as necessary. Using Reemay or Grow Guard 20, can also provide control.
Flea beetles: Flea beetles chew tiny pinholes in leaves. Early control is essential to minimize the damage. Spray young plants with Rotenone or Rotenone-Pyrethrin every 2 days. Using floating row covers such as Summer Insect Barrier can also provide control.
Symphylans: In some areas of the US, symphylans (also known as garden centipede) can severely retard the plant growth of cole crops. Only 1/4 inch long, white, and very active, they eat the root hairs of developing plants. Contact your local county extension agent if you suspect you have a problem."
