Broccoli Calabrese

Mild · Fresh · Delicate

Broccoli Calabrese is a wonderful place to begin with microgreens. Easy to grow and beautifully versatile, it produces tender green leaves with a mild, fresh flavour that works effortlessly with everyday meals.

Its gentle taste makes it especially easy to use generously - from breakfast eggs and sandwiches to salads, bowls and simple finished dishes.

Flavour

Mild · Fresh · Slightly earthy

Broccoli microgreens have a delicate flavour with subtle brassica notes. They are much milder than mature broccoli, making them a good choice when you want freshness without a strong or spicy taste.

Growing Level

Easy

Broccoli is one of the more beginner-friendly microgreens and a lovely variety for your first grow.

Growing Time

Approximately 8–12 days

Growing conditions such as temperature, light, airflow and watering can influence how quickly your microgreens develop. Rather than relying only on the number of days, look at the plants themselves when deciding when to harvest.

Soaking

No soaking required.

Broccoli seeds can be sown directly onto a thoroughly moistened growing mat.

Germination

After sowing, keep the seeds covered and in darkness during the initial germination period.

Once the seeds have germinated and the young shoots are established, move the tray into light and continue growing until harvest.

Watering

Keep the growing mat consistently moist, but never waterlogged.

Once the roots are established, bottom watering is preferable. Add water to the reservoir tray below and allow the growing mat to absorb the moisture it needs.

Good airflow and careful watering help create healthy growing conditions.

Light

Once uncovered, place your broccoli microgreens in a bright location with good indirect natural light or beneath a suitable grow light.

Adequate light helps the leaves develop their fresh green colour and encourages strong, compact growth.

When to Harvest

Broccoli microgreens are generally ready when the stems have developed well, the cotyledons are fully open and beautifully green, and the crop looks fresh and established.

You do not need to wait for mature leaves to develop.

Harvest just above the growing mat using clean scissors or a clean, sharp blade.

Best With

Eggs · Salads · Sandwiches · Wraps · Bowls · Soups · Avocado · Fish

Because of their mild flavour, broccoli microgreens are particularly versatile. Add them after cooking whenever possible to preserve their fresh texture.

Storage

For the best quality, harvest only what you need whenever possible.

If storing harvested microgreens, make sure they are dry before placing them in a clean container in the refrigerator. Excess moisture can shorten their freshness.

Wash before eating and enjoy while fresh.

Good to Know

Broccoli belongs to the Brassica family, alongside vegetables such as kale, cabbage and radish.

The seeds naturally form fine root hairs during germination. These can sometimes be mistaken for mould, particularly by new growers. Root hairs are usually concentrated around the roots and can become less visible when wet, while mould tends to spread irregularly and may have an unpleasant smell.

Why Grow Broccoli?

Easy to grow, mild in flavour and simple to add to everyday food, Broccoli Calabrese is one of those varieties you'll find yourself reaching for again and again.

It doesn't need to dominate a dish. A small handful adds freshness, colour and that satisfying finishing touch of something you've grown yourself.

Grow it. Cut it fresh. Make it part of everyday life.