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

Christmas Broccoli: The Star of Campania Tables

Christmas Broccoli is a renowned broccoli variety from the Campania tradition, an essential presence on tables during the year-end holidays. 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.

Both the tall, firm stems and the tender florets are used in cooking, ideal as a side dish dressed with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and chili pepper.

Cultivation Characteristics

Exposure: Full Sun
Plants that prefer full sun need south-facing exposure, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, even during the 3-4 central summer hours. Exposure indicates how many hours of direct sun are necessary for optimal plant 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 in positioning plants to promote their growth.

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

Transplant Distance: 50x50
Transplant distance is the space between plants at the time of planting, both within and between rows. Correct spacing prevents competition for light and nutrients, promoting growth and production, while spaces that are too narrow 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 cultivation conditions. This value can vary depending on factors such as the harvesting phase, fertilization and irrigation practices, and climatic conditions. In the first harvests, production may be lower than the values indicated. Furthermore, conditions such as drought, water scarcity, temperature fluctuations, poor or excessive nitrogen fertilization influence fruit growth, which can be higher or lower than expected.

Tips for Extended Harvest

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

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

Strategy for staggered harvests: Many growers carry out 2 staggered transplants 2-3 weeks apart between mid-August and mid-September to achieve extended harvests.