Calabrese Marathon F1 50 Vegetable Seeds

Packet Content (approx.): 50

Calabrese Marathon F1, this very prolific variety is a tasty, deep-green with a large, central flower head, followed by lots of smaller side shoots. It grows quickly and will mature three months from sowing in mid-spring for harvesting from summer until the frosts.

When growing Calabrese, choose a sheltered position in firm, rich fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Prepare the soil in early spring by adding plenty of well-rotted farmyard manure to the soil to improve its structure and fertility. Take care when transplanting Calabrese as it resents root disturbance. Plant Calabrese at a distance of 22cm (9") apart, and cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.

Sow broccoli seeds in a well-prepared seed bed from March to June at a depth of 13mm (½") and spaced 30cm (12") apart. Transplant to their final positions around 5 weeks later when the seedlings have four or five leaves.

SOW INDOORS: February thinly ½in (1cm) deep in clean trays or modules of firm pre watered compost. Keep soil moist at all times. Place in warmth 15-20°C (60-70°F) and keep moist at all times.

SOW OUTDOORS: April-July thinly ½in (1cm) deep in rows 12in (30cm) apart. Keep soil moist at all times. Sow March-July, Germinates between 7 and 30°C. Plant out April-July at around 23 x 30cm, for harvesting June-December. Later maturity is possible in milder climates.

Plant out April-July at around 23 x 30cm, for harvesting June-December. Later maturity is possible in milder climates.

Spacing between 30x30 and 40x60cm. For smaller crowns suitable for freezing, Spacing 30x10cm.

• PLANT OUT: April-July 12in (30cm) apart with 12in (30cm) between each row.
• THIN OUT: 12in (30cm) apart.
• HARVEST: June-December
• Heads 55-60 days after planting out.
• Protect from Cabbage White Butterfly with netting.

Cut the main crown when in tight bud. Side shoots will subsequently develop.  Lower crop density gives a longer period of harvest, as more secondary heads are produced.

The heads must be cut whilst in tight bud; once per week in cool weather, and twice a week is essential in warm weather.

Suitable for the vegetable garden, allotments and containers.

Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.