{"title":"Calabrese","description":"\u003cp style=\"line-height: normal;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eLovely calabrese is the go-to choice for spring sowing and summer into autumn harvesting—packed with flavour, goodness, and nutrients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: normal;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur top pick? \u003ca title=\"calabrese kabuki f1 vegetable seeds\" href=\"\/products\/calabrese-kabuki-f1\"\u003eKabuki\u003c\/a\u003e for its reliability and great flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: normal;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn a hurry? Try \u003ca title=\"broccoli raab vegetable seeds\" href=\"\/collections\/collection-broccoli-raab-vegetable-seeds\"\u003eBroccoli Raab\u003c\/a\u003efor a faster crop and earlier harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: normal;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMake the most of your space by underplanting with \u003ca title=\"beetroot vegetable seeds\" href=\"\/collections\/collection-beetroot-vegetable-seeds\"\u003eBeetroot \u003c\/a\u003eor \u003ca title=\"lettuces vegetable seeds\" href=\"\/collections\/collection-lettuce-vegetable-seeds\"\u003eLettuces\u003c\/a\u003e—a brilliant way to boost your yield from every bed.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"calabrese-belstar-f1","title":"Calabrese Belstar F1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBelstar F1\u003c\/strong\u003e is a reliable, tasty choice that crops well right through summer and into autumn. It has a lovely flavour and the added bonus of good disease resistance—great for gardeners who like to keep things simple and productive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis variety is part of our naturally nurtured range, the seed comes from an organic source\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW\u003c\/strong\u003e: from late March to June, in pots for planting out at the 2\/3 leaf stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW\u003c\/strong\u003e: harden off and plant about 35cm apart. They like regular watering in dry periods. ‘Baby’ heads can be cut after about 10 weeks or leave to grow on larger and cut just before the flowers open (June to October). The plant will go on to produce broccoli like side shoots that are also for harvesting - picking regularly will encourage even more shoots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENJOY\u003c\/strong\u003e: we like to lightly steam our calabrese \u0026amp; enjoy it fresh, the side shoots are perfect for adding to a stir fry. Calabrese can also be frozen – blanch for 2 minutes, plunge into cold water, drain and pack.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824581386516,"sku":"CALBS","price":1.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/calabresebelstar.jpg?v=1751476121"},{"product_id":"calabrese-de-cicco","title":"Calabrese De Cicco","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalabrese De Cicco\u003c\/strong\u003e is a quick-growing Italian heirloom that’s ready to harvest from late spring through to autumn, depending on when you sow. Cut the main head while it’s still small (around 7cm), and you’ll be rewarded with a generous crop of tender, tasty side shoots—perfect for regular picking and very yummy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW\u003c\/strong\u003e: from March to mid-July.  We like to start calabrese in pots—seed depth about 10mm—then plant out once the seedlings have 2 or 3 true leaves. Sow in succession every couple of weeks to space out your harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW\u003c\/strong\u003e: they will need watering—calabrese doesn’t like getting thirsty. Don’t wait too long on the main head (it stays small, around 7cm); it can be ready from 10 weeks after transplanting. After that, you’ll get loads of smaller, tasty side shoots. Pick regularly to encourage even more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENJOY\u003c\/strong\u003e: we like to lightly steam our calabrese and enjoy it fresh but it can also be frozen. To Freeze – blanch for 2 minutes, plunge into cold water, drain and pack.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824582238484,"sku":"CALDC","price":0.6,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/calabresedecicco.jpg?v=1751476007"},{"product_id":"calabrese-green-magic-f1","title":"Calabrese Green Magic F1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGreen Magic\u003c\/strong\u003e is an AGM-winning variety that keeps things simple but full of flavour. Sow in March or April and enjoy harvests from June to early August. Known for its high-quality side shoots—it’s a real bonus crop, and we’ve definitely enjoyed ours!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW\u003c\/strong\u003e: in March and April, we start them in pots (seed depth about 10mm) for planting out at the 2\/3 leaf stage (1-2 weeks after sowing).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW\u003c\/strong\u003e: as with all calabrese they like steady watering while they grow. Green Magic reaches maturity after 10-12 weeks from planting out. Cut the tight main head just before the flowers open, and it will then produce excellent smooth stemmed side shoots for several weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENJOY\u003c\/strong\u003e: we like to lightly steam our calabrese and enjoy it the flavour fresh but it can also be frozen. To Freeze – blanch for 2 minutes, plunge into cold water, drain and pack.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEXTEND YOUR SEASON\u003c\/strong\u003e simply select different varieties that have early, mid and later sowing times \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824584171796,"sku":"CALGA","price":1.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/619968227506_ml.png?v=1732815590"},{"product_id":"calabrese-green-sprouting","title":"Calabrese Green Sprouting","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGreen Sprouting\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the best open-pollinated calabrese varieties around. It’s an early type—sow in April and start harvesting from July into August. After the main head, you'll get a generous crop of tasty side shoots that keep coming for weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW\u003c\/strong\u003e: in April at 10mm deep in pots for planting out at the 2\/3 leaf stage. Ready to harvest from July\/August time – the side shoots crop over a long period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW\u003c\/strong\u003e: do not let them dry out – becoming thirsty upsets them. The central head is cut just before the flowers open, and it will then produce side shoots that are also for harvesting. Picking constantly will encourage more shoots over a longer time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENJOY\u003c\/strong\u003e: we like to lightly steam our calabrese and enjoy it fresh but it can also be frozen. To Freeze – blanch for 2 minutes, plunge into cold water, drain and pack.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824589119764,"sku":"CALGS","price":0.6,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/calabresegreensprouting.jpg?v=1751476271"},{"product_id":"calabrese-marathon-f1","title":"Calabrese Marathon F1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarathon F1 \u003c\/strong\u003eis a lovely, reliable calabrese with mid-sized, fine-grained blue-green heads. It’s a hardy, adaptable variety that handles the cold well—making it a great choice for northern gardens. Suitable for both early and late sowings, you can sow from March to June for a summer crop, or July\/August for a later harvest. Allow around 10–15 weeks from sowing to picking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW\u003c\/strong\u003e: perfect for successional sowing every 2 weeks or so as Marathon F1 can be started from March to August. We like to start them in pots, 10mm deep, and plant out at the 2\/3 leaf size. They can reach harvest stage in about 10-14 weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW\u003c\/strong\u003e: do not let them dry out – becoming thirsty upsets them. Cut the bluish-green head before the flowers open, and it will then produce smaller side shoots that are also for harvesting. Picking regularly will encourage more shoots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEAT\u003c\/strong\u003e: we like to lightly steam our calabrese and enjoy it fresh but it can also be frozen. To Freeze – blanch for 2 minutes, plunge into cold water, drain and pack.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824593117460,"sku":"CALMA","price":1.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/CALABRESE_MARATHON.jpg?v=1752080384"},{"product_id":"calabrese-stromboli-f1","title":"Calabrese Stromboli F1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStromboli F1\u003c\/strong\u003e is your go-to for the earliest calabrese harvests, with tasty, domed heads and plenty of side shoots. It's a vigorous variety that can be autumn-sown for overwintering or spring-sown for a late summer\/autumn crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks to its resistance to cold-induced growth inhibition, Stromboli can be overwintered with protection. In milder areas, you might be picking as early as January, though most crops are ready from May onward after the slower winter growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTo grow for an early crop\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSow in modules from September to early November\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePot on or plant into greenhouse borders or polytunnels, spaced at 50cm apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProtect from hard frosts with floating fleece\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor flexibility, grow in large pots—you can move them outside in spring to free up space indoors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpring sowings\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace plants 60–75cm apart—they’ll grow bigger in warmer weather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on cold-induced growth inhibition\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003eThis isn’t fully understood—cold temperatures are a factor, but low light levels (especially in winter) also play a part. To give your plants the best chance:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace them out well to maximise available light\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly use fleece when necessary—it reduces light levels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClean greenhouse glass or polytunnel covers to let in as much light as possible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824598884628,"sku":"CALST","price":1.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/CALABRESESTROMBOLI.jpg?v=1752081532"},{"product_id":"calabrese-zen-f1","title":"Calabrese Zen F1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eZen F1\u003c\/b\u003eis a top choice for a tasty autumn crop. It takes a little longer to mature—13–15 weeks from transplanting—but rewards you with a high-domed, deep green head that’s full of flavour. The shape helps shed rain, and its resistance to downy mildew makes it ideal for damp autumn conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZen performs particularly well under mesh or in a polytunnel, where airflow is limited. Polytunnel growers can even sow later for a December harvest—fresh calabrese for Christmas!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW\u003c\/strong\u003e: to get the best from Zen, sow in May, June, or July.\u003cbr\u003e(Early crops can be started in March\/April; for polytunnel growing, you can sow as late as August.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow 1.5–2cm deep in pots or modules for easy transplanting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuggested sowing schedule\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSow May\u003c\/strong\u003e, transplant June → harvest from mid \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSow June\u003c\/strong\u003e, transplant July → harvest from mid \u003cstrong\u003eOctober\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSow July\u003c\/strong\u003e, transplant August → harvest from mid \u003cstrong\u003eNovember\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePolytunnel only\u003c\/strong\u003e: Sow August, transplant September → harvest in \u003cstrong\u003eDecember\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW\u003c\/strong\u003e: transplant when plants are 10–15cm tall (around 4 weeks from sowing). Space 30–45cm apart. Water well—calabrese doesn’t like drying out. Use mesh or fine netting to protect from caterpillars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut the main head just before the flowers open, around 13-15 weeks from transplanting. After that, expect tasty side shoots to grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENJOY\u003c\/strong\u003e: best lightly steamed or stir-fried and fresh from the garden. You can also freeze it—blanch for 2 minutes, cool in water, drain, and store.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824617660692,"sku":"CALZN","price":1.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/calabresezen.jpg?v=1752415147"},{"product_id":"calabrese-purple-rain-f1-1","title":"Calabrese Purple Rain F1","description":"\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003eA fabulous choice: \u003cstrong\u003ePurple Rain F1 \u003c\/strong\u003eis delicious raw or cooked and you have three terrific harvest options – cut whilst the head is tight closed and cook as you would cauliflower, allow the head to open a little and cut as florets, allow the head to stretch out and harvest spears.  Regular picking will encourage fresh flushes and take you crop from late summer through to October.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15–20mm deep in pots from February with warmth, or April to June. A later sowing in July or August is possible in a polytunnel. Harden off at the 2–3 leaf stage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW: \u003c\/strong\u003espace at 30cm for a compact crop, or 45cm to extend the harvest window. Interplant with lettuce or baby leaves to shade roots, which can help prolong cropping, or use mulch for the same effect.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENJOY: \u003c\/strong\u003e cut the main head when tight for use like cauliflower, then harvest florets or let them stretch into tender spears. Regular picking keeps the shoots coming.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51281406886164,"sku":"CALPR","price":1.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/calabresepurplerain_4df05150-3818-405e-98fa-7727255392ab.jpg?v=1757677460"},{"product_id":"calabrese-parthenon-f1","title":"Calabrese Parthenon F1","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParthenon F1\u003c\/strong\u003e has proved outstanding in trials and it’s easy to see why. The large heads are tightly beaded, rich green and full of sumptuous flavour. You can time your harvest anywhere between June and October, or even earlier if you start in February with a bit of warmth. It’s a reliable F1 that you can sow successionally for a longer picking season and a steady supply of those beautiful heads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW\u003c\/strong\u003e: for most gardeners, March to May is the best time to sow. Earlier sowings in February need warmth under glass (around 13°C). In milder areas you can sow in June for a late harvest. Sow 15-20mm deep; germination takes around a week. Once seedlings have a pair of true leaves, move them into pots to grow on. When they’re about 10 cm tall, start to harden them off before planting out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW\u003c\/strong\u003e: final spacing of 40-45cm works well. Keep the soil steadily moist for the best results. Parthenon takes about 80 to 85 days to mature. After cutting the main head, you’ll get smaller tasty side shoots to keep you picking for a bit longer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENJOY\u003c\/strong\u003e: steaming brings out the flavour perfectly, but it’s equally good tossed through pasta or added to a stir fries.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51554555068692,"sku":"CALPA","price":1.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/calabrese_parthenon_1.jpg?v=1762086784"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/collections\/calabrese_chevalier_f1_m.jpg?v=1741543771","url":"https:\/\/moreveg.co.uk\/collections\/collection-calabrese-vegetable-seeds.oembed","provider":"MoreVeg Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}