Type
heirloom, sprouting
Broccoli variety
Calabrese Broccoli
An old Italian type grown for medium heads and plenty of side shoots. Flavor is mild and traditional, and plants are less uniform than modern hybrids.
Days to maturity
60-80
Best for
home gardeners who want repeated harvests
About Calabrese
Calabrese refers to an old Italian broccoli type, generally open-pollinated, with a large central head followed by many side shoots. It has the traditional broccoli flavor home gardeners often want.
Growing Calabrese Broccoli
Do not wait for an oversized main head, because quality drops once buds loosen. Side shoots are an important part of the harvest, so keep plants watered after the first cut.
Full growing guide
For planting dates, care, and harvest that apply to all broccoli, see the complete guide.
How to grow BroccoliOther broccoli varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.