Broccoli

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Broccoletti is a traditional sprouting type of broccoli grown for its abundance of tender side shoots and small green heads rather than one large central head. Once harvesting begins, plants continue producing multiple shoots, providing a generous and extended crop.

The young flowering shoots, stems and leaves are all edible and have a fresh broccoli flavour. Harvest while the heads are still tight and before the yellow flowers begin to open. Regular picking encourages further side-shoot production and extends the harvest.

Broccoletti prefers the cooler growing months and performs best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. An excellent choice for gardeners who prefer repeated smaller harvests rather than a single large broccoli head.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Late summer to winter
Mild climates: Late summer to autumn and late winter to spring
Cold climates: Spring to summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise in trays, approximately 5–10 mm deep. Keep consistently moist during germination.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 40–50 cm apart in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Begin harvesting shoots once small heads have formed but before flowers open. Cut shoots with a length of tender stem attached and continue picking regularly to encourage further production.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Calibrese is a reliable heirloom broccoli producing compact, dark green heads approximately 10 cm across. Once the main head is harvested, plants continue to produce smaller side shoots, providing an extended harvest over several weeks. An excellent variety for home gardens with good flavour and dependable yields.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: February to September
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays or directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun. Plant seeds 5 mm deep and transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall, spacing plants 45–60 cm apart. Keep plants well watered and feed regularly for the best head development. Harvest the main head while compact, then continue picking the side shoots as they develop.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Di Cicco is a traditional Italian heirloom dating back to the late 1800s. It produces excellent quality, bluish-green central heads up to 10 cm across, followed by an abundance of tender side shoots for an extended harvest. Valued for its rich flavour and reliable productivity, this variety matures in around 68–85 days.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: February to September
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays or directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun. Plant seeds 5 mm deep and transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall, spacing plants 45–60 cm apart. Keep plants well watered and feed regularly for the best head development. Harvest the central head while compact, then continue picking the side shoots as they develop.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Di Cicco is a traditional Italian heirloom dating back to the late 1800s. It produces excellent quality, bluish-green central heads up to 10 cm across, followed by an abundance of tender side shoots for an extended harvest. Valued for its rich flavour and reliable productivity, this variety matures in around 68–85 days.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: February to September
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays or directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun. Plant seeds 5 mm deep and transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall, spacing plants 45–60 cm apart. Keep plants well watered and feed regularly for the best head development. Harvest the central head while compact, then continue picking the side shoots as they develop.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Green Sprouting Calabrese is a popular heirloom broccoli producing medium-sized, dark green central heads with excellent flavour and texture. After the main head is harvested, the plants continue to produce an abundance of tender side shoots over several weeks, extending the harvest season. A reliable, productive variety maturing in around 70–90 days.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: February to September
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays or directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun. Plant seeds 5 mm deep and transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall, spacing plants 45–60 cm apart. Keep plants well watered and feed regularly for the best head development. Harvest the main head while compact, then continue picking the side shoots as they develop.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Alt. name: Waltham 29

Italian Green Sprouting is a traditional favourite grown since the 1920s, producing large, solid, medium green heads on compact, stocky plants. After the main head is harvested, plants continue producing numerous tender side shoots for an extended picking season. This reliable variety performs particularly well in cooler weather and withstands late autumn cold, maturing in around 60–95 days.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to June
Subtropics: March to May
Mild climates: Late summer to autumn
Cold climates: Late summer to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays or directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun. Plant seeds 5 mm deep and transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall, spacing plants 45–60 cm apart. Keep plants well watered and feed regularly for the best head development. Harvest the main head while compact, then continue picking the side shoots as they develop.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Alt. name: Waltham 29

Italian Green Sprouting is a traditional favourite grown since the 1920s, producing large, solid, medium green heads on compact, stocky plants. After the main head is harvested, plants continue producing numerous tender side shoots for an extended picking season. This reliable variety performs particularly well in cooler weather and withstands late autumn cold, maturing in around 60–95 days.

Approximately 200 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to June
Subtropics: March to May
Mild climates: Late summer to autumn
Cold climates: Late summer to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays or directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun. Plant seeds 5 mm deep and transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall, spacing plants 45–60 cm apart. Keep plants well watered and feed regularly for the best head development. Harvest the main head while compact, then continue picking the side shoots as they develop.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra

Kailaan, also known as Chinese Broccoli or Chinese Kale, is a fast-growing leafy brassica prized for its thick, succulent stems, crinkled dark green leaves and small flowering heads. Unlike traditional broccoli, the whole tender shoot is harvested and eaten, giving a generous combination of crisp stems and leafy greens.

With an excellent, slightly sweet broccoli-like flavour, Kailaan is particularly good steamed, blanched or stir-fried and is a classic vegetable in Chinese cooking. Harvest the young stems just as the flower heads begin to form, before the flowers fully open. Regular harvesting encourages additional side shoots and extends production.

Quick to mature in approximately 60–70 days, Kailaan performs best in rich, fertile soil with consistent moisture. It prefers cooler growing conditions but is relatively adaptable and can be succession sown for an extended harvest.

Approximately 60 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to spring
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring to summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise in trays, approximately 5–10 mm deep. Keep consistently moist during germination and establishment.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 20–30 cm apart in full sun to partial shade and rich, well-drained soil. Harvest stems while young and tender, just as flower buds begin to develop. Cut above the lower leaves to encourage further side-shoot production.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea

Purple Peacock is an unusual and highly productive broccoli-kale cross, combining small to medium broccoli heads with beautiful, deeply cut leaves reminiscent of Russian Kale. Foliage develops in a striking mixture of purple, green and pink shades, making this as ornamental in the garden as it is useful in the kitchen.

Rather than producing one large head and finishing, Purple Peacock continues producing tender sprouting heads over a long harvest period. Almost the entire plant is useful, with the young heads, leaves and tender stems all edible and offering a mild, pleasant flavour. Leaves can be cooked like kale, while the shoots and stems can be steamed, roasted, sautéed or eaten young and tender.

Maturing in approximately 70 days, Purple Peacock performs best during the cooler growing months in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Regular harvesting encourages continued production of side shoots and tender new growth.

Approximately 30 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Late summer to winter
Mild climates: Late summer to autumn and late winter to spring
Cold climates: Spring to summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise in trays, approximately 5–10 mm deep. Keep consistently moist during germination and establishment.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 40–50 cm apart in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Harvest the central head while tender, then continue picking developing side shoots and leaves to encourage ongoing production.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Purple Sprouting Early is a traditional, exceptionally hardy sprouting broccoli grown for its abundance of tender purple flowering shoots. Rather than producing one large central head, plants develop medium-sized heads followed by numerous smaller side shoots, providing repeated harvests over an extended period.

The colourful shoots have an excellent sweet broccoli flavour and can be harvested with their tender stems and young leaves attached. Regular picking encourages continued side-shoot production, providing a generous crop over many weeks.

This is a long-season broccoli, typically taking from approximately 120 days but potentially as long as 220 days depending on climate and growing conditions. Traditionally planted in autumn, plants grow steadily through winter before producing their main flush of purple shoots in late winter and spring. Its excellent cold tolerance makes it particularly valuable in areas with cool or frosty winters.

Approximately 150 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Generally unsuitable except in cooler highland areas
Subtropics: Late summer to autumn in cooler locations
Mild climates: Late summer to autumn
Cold climates: Summer to early autumn for overwintering

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise in trays, approximately 5–10 mm deep. Keep consistently moist during germination and establishment.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 45–60 cm apart in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Harvest shoots while the flower buds remain tight, cutting a length of tender stem with each head. Continue picking regularly to encourage further side-shoot production.

Maturity: approximately 120–220 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

Romanesco, often called Romanesco Broccoli, is an extraordinary cauliflower type producing pale lime-green heads made up of intricate, repeating spirals. Its remarkable geometric form is a natural example of fractal-like growth, with each pointed floret echoing the shape of the larger head.

As impressive on the plate as it is in the garden, Romanesco has an excellent flavour and texture, often described as sweeter and nuttier than conventional cauliflower, with the tenderness of broccoli when properly cooked. The heads can be steamed, roasted, sautéed or broken into individual florets for a spectacular addition to salads and vegetable dishes.

Romanesco performs particularly well in cooler conditions and requires a reasonably long, steady growing season to develop its distinctive heads. Plants prefer full sun, fertile soil, consistent moisture and protection from prolonged heat. Maturity is approximately 85–110 days, depending on growing conditions.

Approximately 90 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter in cooler locations
Subtropics: Late summer to autumn
Mild climates: Late summer to autumn and late winter to spring
Cold climates: Spring to early summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise in trays, approximately 5–10 mm deep. Keep consistently moist during germination and establishment.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 45–60 cm apart in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Maintain consistent moisture as plants develop. Harvest when the heads are firm and well formed, before the individual florets begin to separate.

Maturity: approximately 85–110 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea

Spigariello Broccoli is a traditional Italian heirloom grown for its abundant leafy greens rather than a single large head. Closely related to Broccoli and part of the wider Brassicaceae family, this variety produces tender, slightly crinkled leaves with a mild, sweet broccoli flavour and no bitterness. Instead of forming a central head, Spigariello is cut-and-come-again, producing a continuous supply of nutritious greens over an extended period. The young leaves can be picked regularly, encouraging fresh growth and making it an ideal choice for kitchen gardens and small spaces. Rich in vitamins A, C and K, these greens are traditionally used in Italian cooking, often sautéed with garlic and olive oil or added to soups and pasta dishes. The flavour is gentle and versatile, sitting somewhere between broccoli and kale, but softer and more tender. A hardy cool-season crop, Spigariello thrives in well-prepared soil with consistent moisture. Regular harvesting keeps plants productive and prevents them from becoming tough. A beautiful, productive green that brings both flavour and tradition to the garden.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

Broccoli Seeds - Broccoli was used by Romans and called "Cabbage Flower" and in England as "Italian Asparagus" from early 1700's. High in vitamin C and protein. Likes soil rich and well watered. Sow anytime to ensure harvest during cooler months, doesn't do best in hot weather. Frost hardy.

When To Plant In Australia
Tropics:    Feb-Jun
Subtropic:    Feb-May
Mild:    Sep-Apr
Cold/Frost:    Oct-Mar

Seed Sowing
Plant space cm:    35-50
Row space cm:    50-60
Depth cm:    0.5-1
Best soil temp:    7-30 °C

Other Info
Number of seeds per gram:    175-330
Rate per hectare:    400g
Average days to maturity:    60-90

Brassica rapa

Spring Raab, also known as Broccoli Raab or Rapini, is a fast-growing Italian-style leafy brassica grown for its tender green tops, young leaves, stems and flowering shoots rather than a central broccoli head.

The entire young shoot is harvested just as the flower buds begin to form, offering a distinctive pleasantly bitter, slightly nutty brassica flavour. Excellent lightly cooked, sautéed with garlic and olive oil, tossed through pasta, added to soups and stir-fries, or harvested young for salads.

Quick to mature in approximately 40–60 days, Spring Raab is an excellent choice for successive sowings and repeated cool-season harvests. Plants prefer full sun, fertile soil and consistent moisture, with cooler conditions producing the best quality tender shoots.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to spring
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring to early summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly where plants are to grow or raise in trays, approximately 5–10 mm deep. Keep consistently moist during germination and establishment.

Thin seedlings to approximately 15–20 cm apart in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Harvest the tender tops when flower buds have formed but before they fully open. Cut stems above the lower leaves to encourage additional shoots and further harvests.

Maturity: approximately 40–60 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Umpqua is a popular American broccoli variety producing large, well-formed central heads followed by abundant side shoots for an extended harvest. Known for its reliable performance, excellent flavour, and vigorous growth, it is a favourite among home gardeners and matures in around 50–75 days.

Approximately 150 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: February to September
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays or directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun. Plant seeds 5 mm deep and transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall, spacing plants 45–60 cm apart. Keep plants well watered and feed regularly for the best head development. Harvest the main head while compact, then continue picking the side shoots as they develop.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra

Hong Kong Broccoli is a traditional Asian vegetable grown for its thick, tender stems, glossy green leaves and small flowering heads. Unlike conventional broccoli, this variety produces only a modest central head, with the entire plant harvested and eaten for its sweet stems and succulent foliage.

Often compared to gai lan or Chinese broccoli, Hong Kong Broccoli is prized for its mild, slightly sweet flavour and crisp texture. The thick stems remain tender when cooked and are excellent in stir-fries, steamed dishes, soups and noodle meals. The leaves and flowering shoots are equally delicious, making this a highly productive and versatile vegetable for the home garden.

Fast growing and reliable, plants reach harvest maturity in approximately 50–60 days. It performs best during the cooler months and can be harvested whole or cut to encourage additional side shoots.

Approximately 300 seeds per gram
Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: February to October
Cold climates: Spring and autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5 mm deep directly into prepared garden beds or into seedling trays for transplanting. Space plants 30 cm apart in rows 40–50 cm apart to allow the stems to develop fully.

Grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil enriched with compost. Keep plants well watered and harvest when stems are thick, tender and the flower buds are still tightly closed. The entire plant can be harvested and used in the kitchen.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea

Broccoli Microgreens are among the most popular and nutritious microgreens, producing tender green shoots with a mild, fresh flavour and subtle brassica sweetness. They are easy to grow, quick to harvest and ideal for adding flavour, texture and nutrition to a wide range of dishes.

Broccoli microgreens are particularly valued for naturally occurring glucoraphanin, a compound that can be converted into sulforaphane when the plant tissue is chewed or chopped. Sulforaphane has attracted significant scientific interest and is one of the reasons broccoli microgreens are popular among health-conscious growers.

Harvested at the seedling stage, broccoli microgreens are perfect for salads, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies and garnishes. Their crisp texture and mild taste make them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced microgreen growers.

Fast germinating and highly productive, broccoli microgreens can be grown year round and are ready to harvest in as little as one to two weeks. Their reliable performance and versatility have made them a staple of home and commercial microgreen production.

Approximately 300 seeds per gram

Microgreens & Baby Leaf Production: Year round Australia-wide

Tropics: Year round
Subtropics: Year round
Mild climates: Year round
Cold climates: Year round in a protected position

Planting / Sowing

For microgreens, sow seed densely over a moist growing medium and lightly press into the surface. Cover during the initial germination period if desired, then expose seedlings to bright light once they emerge.

Keep evenly moist and provide good airflow throughout growth. Harvest with scissors when the cotyledons are fully developed and the first true leaves are just beginning to appear, typically 7–14 days after sowing.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Broccoli sprouts are a fast-growing and highly nutritious sprouting variety, producing crisp, tender shoots with a fresh, mild brassica flavour and a gentle peppery bite. Delicious in salads, sandwiches, wraps and bowls, they are an easy way to grow fresh greens at home without a garden.

Broccoli sprouts are particularly valued for their naturally occurring glucoraphanin, which can be converted into sulforaphane when the sprouts are chewed or chopped. This naturally occurring plant compound has attracted considerable scientific interest and is one of the reasons broccoli sprouts have become so popular.

Sprouting Time: Approximately 4–6 days
Sprout Length: Approximately 3–6 cm

How to Sprout

Use a sprouting jar or purpose-made sprouter. If using a jar, cover the opening with sprouting mesh or another porous material secured firmly in place.

Soak seed for approximately 6–8 hours, then drain thoroughly. Rinse with fresh water and drain well several times each day until ready to harvest. Keep sprouts moist but never sitting in water, with good drainage and airflow throughout the sprouting process.

As the sprouts develop, rinse well to help loosen and remove seed hulls. Once harvested, rinse and drain thoroughly, allow excess moisture to dry and refrigerate. For best quality, enjoy as fresh as possible.

Not available for WA.