Broccoli Seeds

Broccoli (calabrese) is a member of the cabbage family grown for its edible flower head and stalk. This variety forms a generous, deep-green central dome of tightly packed florets on a tender stalk, with a clean, mildly nutty flavour that shines steamed, stir-fried, roasted, or fresh in salads. As a true cool-season crop it thrives in Egypt's mild winters, making it a rewarding choice for the autumn-to-spring garden.

Planting

Sow seed about 2 cm deep in full sun, where soil stays around 25 C for best results (germination works from roughly 10 to 29 C). Seedlings emerge in about 10 to 21 days. Raise transplants and set them out once they show four or five true leaves, at roughly four to six weeks old. Thin to one seedling per station, allowing about 60 to 80 cm between plants and similar rows; closer spacing gives smaller heads.

Fertilizing

Feed a starter or half-strength feed at transplanting. Once plants are established, side-dress with nitrogen when they reach about 10 to 20 cm tall. A second feed at midseason supports strong head development.

Care

Keep soil evenly moist, providing about 2.5 to 5 cm of water weekly and never letting it waterlog; water stress during heading lowers quality. Watch for cabbage caterpillars, aphids, flea beetles, and slugs, and rotate away from brassicas to limit clubroot and black rot. Harvest while the head is full but still tight and firm, before yellow flowers open.