Broccoli Heirloom Seeds - Green Sprouting Calabrese

Packed in Resealable Long Life Mylar Moisture Proof Packets 10+ Year Survival Seed Viability Category: Vegetable Type: Broccoli Variety: Calabrese Family: Brassica Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 Growing Difficulty:  3         Soil PH:  6.0 to 6.8 Fertilizer Requirements:  5-10-10 Soil Type: Moist, Well-Draining Germination (days): 5 to 21 Soil Temp for Germination: 40-55°F Lighting Conditions: Full Sun Days to Maturity:  60 – 90 Planting Depth:  1/4” Distance Apart (in row):  18" Row Spacing: 18-24"   Sowing Instructions DIRECT SOW 2 WEEKS BEFORE LAST FROST Starting Indoors 7-9 WEEKS BEFORE LAST FROST Growing Tips (If starting indoors) Before planting in the garden, 'harden off' the broccoli starts by moving them to a sheltered outdoor place for a week. Protect them from hot sun and wind until they toughen up enough to transplant. (Direct Sow) Sow in full sun in early spring or midsummer for a fall crop. Keep evenly moist and water gently. Culinary Uses Broccoli is used in a variety of dishes and loaded with nutrients. Medicinal Uses Broccoli has many health benefits that you may not be aware of. The number of antioxidants in broccoli make it a great cell neutralizer to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Broccoli contains high levels of glucoraphanin, which is a compound that is converted into a seriously potent antioxidant called sulforaphane when it is digested. This is known to reduce blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, oxidative stress and chronic disease development. Broccoli also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are thought to prevent oxidative stress and cellular damage in your eyes. Harvesting Crops Pick broccoli when the heads appear to be tight and firm. This is usually about 50-60 days after transplant. Cutting off the central head with about 6 inches of stem will encourage the plant to produce smaller heads which can also be harvested later. You may cut and blanch broccoli to freeze it for future use. Eat heads raw or cooked. Harvesting Seed Allow the Broccoli head to mature and turn from green to yellow. It will then produce flowers that bloom and turn into seed pods. Once the pods of the broccoli plant have dried, remove the plant from the ground and hang to dry for about 2 weeks. Open the seed pods and store your broccoli seeds for your next growing season.