Thompson & Morgan

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Broccoli 'Belstar' F1 Hybrid (Calabrese)

Brassica oleracea (Italica Group)

Hardy Annual

 Customer Rating

The well domed, small beaded heads of Broccoli ‘Belstar’ have an excellent flavour, and a healthy green colour. The firm heads of this RHS AGM variety remain in good condition for a long time, producing plenty of side shoots once the central head is cut. This tasty variety can be planted in succession for an ongoing harvest from late summer to autumn. Height: 45cm (18”). Spread: 40cm (16”).


Andrew Tokely says: "I always sow this broccoli early in the year and harvest large tasty heads before they can be attacked by caterpillars. Once the main head is cut, I give the plants a good watering, so over the following weeks and months a secondary crop of tasty smaller spears are produced making this a very worthwhile crop."


Companion planting: Try growing broccoli with Nasturtiums to draw cabbage white butterflies away from your crop, and mint to help deter flea beetles.


Useful links:

Companion Planting 

Sowing Months:
April, May, June
Position:
full sun
    • 1 packet (50 seeds)

    •  
    • Despatch: Within 2 Days
    • £2.49
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How To Sow

Aftercare

Delivery

Reviews

Sow broccoli seeds in a well-prepared seed bed from March to June at a depth of 13mm (½") and spaced 30cm (12") apart. Transplant to their final positions around 5 weeks later when the seedlings have four or five leaves.


When growing calabrese, choose a sheltered position in firm, rich fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Prepare the soil in early spring by adding plenty of well rotted farmyard manure to the soil to improve its structure and fertility. Take care when transplanting Calabrese as it resents root disturbance. Plant calabrese at a distance of 22cm (9") apart, and cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.

Water Calabrese regularly and do not allow them to dry out as this may impair their development. Hoe between plants regularly to prevent weeds from establishing and bring insect larvae to the surface. The main heads of Calabrese can be harvested from September when they reach 10cm (4") in diameter, before the flowers open. Leave the plant in the ground to allow sideshoots to develop. These can be harvested when they are 10cm (4") long. Regular picking will encourage more shoots to be produced. Culinary note: Calabrese is suitable for freezing.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes etc are delivered at the appropriate time for planting and will be stated on the product page or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a P&P charge of £1.95.
Orders which include any other products will incur a P&P charge of £4.95.
Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products a maximum P&P charge of £6.90 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Please see our Delivery / P&P page for further details and details of any surcharges that may apply to certain destinations.

Reviews
  1. My allotment star

    By Jean Varley 12-01-2012

    Belstar has shone brightly in my allotment for several years. After the main head has been welcomed and devoured, the small spears continue to grow for months. Thanks to the mild winter we've had so far, the crop I started on 2 March 2011 produced enough for a meal for two the first weekend in January 2012. Delicious baked with smoked haddock and cream!

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