Be one of the first in the year to eat deliciously fresh, tender sprouting broccoli.. Early White Sprouting White Eye Broccoli is a very early, uniform variety which produces a prolific crop of snow white spears.
Sow seeds indoors during April/May 6mm (¼in) deep in a good free draining seed compost. Germination takes 7-14 days at 15-18C (60-65F).
Transplant when large enough to handle into trays and plant out when they have 2-3 true leaves 75x75cm (30x30in) apart. Alternatively, sow outdoors in a well prepared seed bed during April/May in drills 1cm (½in) deep spaced 30cm (12in) apart.
When the seedlings have four or five leaves transplant to their final quarters. They will grow in most soils but must be planted firmly. Water well until they have become established. Harvest in March/April by snapping off the flowering shoots before the flowers open. Don't remove the large leaves as these protect the next batch of shoots. To avoid the danger of Clubroot grow your crop in a different site each year so that they only occupy the same spot once in four years. Days to maturity: 50.
Calabrese and Broccoli contain many healthy antioxidants. They are high in Vitamin A and C and are a good source of iron.
For the best flavour, steam broccoli within hours of harvesting.