Christmas Broccoli (100 days) - 6 plants - Orto Mio

Christmas Broccoli: the star of Campania's tables

The Christmas Broccoli is a renowned variety from the Campania tradition, a must-have on tables during the year-end festivities. This variety stands out for its delicate and less bitter flavor compared to common friarielli, making it perfect for those seeking a more refined taste.

In the kitchen, both the tall and sturdy stems and the tender broccoli florets are used, ideal as a side dish seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and chili pepper.

Growing Characteristics

Exposure: Full Sun
Plants that prefer full sun require a south-facing exposure, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, even during the central 3-4 hours of summer. The exposure indicates how many hours of direct sunlight the plant needs for optimal growth. It can be full sun, partial shade, or shade, depending on the amount of natural light the plant needs to develop well and produce fruit. This information helps position the plants to encourage their growth.

Harvest Time: 100 days
The harvest time indicates how many days it takes for the fruit to be ready for picking (note: ripening may occur in different times than indicated, influenced by climatic factors, irrigation, and soil fertility).

Transplant Distance: 50x50
The transplant distance is the space between plants at the time of planting, both in the row and between rows. A correct distance avoids competition for light and nutrients, promoting growth and production, while distances that are too close or too wide can negatively affect the quantity and quality of the fruit.

Production: 700 kg
Indicates the average production of the plant under normal growing conditions. This value can vary depending on factors such as the harvest phase, fertilization practices, and climatic conditions. In the first harvests, production may be lower than the indicated values. Additionally, conditions such as drought, water shortage, temperature fluctuations, and poor or excessive nitrogen fertilization affect fruit growth, which may be above or below expectations.

Tips for Extended Harvest

The ideal transplant period is between mid-August and September. It is usually ready after about 90 days, but ripening can begin between 80 and 110 days or more, depending on climatic conditions and planting time.

The harvest begins as early as November and continues until January thanks to the regrowth after the first harvest. The production of new broccoli florets after the first is more abundant in fertile and well-fertilized soils and in mild climatic conditions.

Strategy for staggered harvests: many gardeners perform 2 staggered transplants 2-3 weeks apart between mid-August and mid-September to achieve extended harvests.