Broccoletto 'Centoventino'

800 seeds

Broccoletto 'Centoventino' is a traditional Italian leafy brassica grown for its tender stems, leaves, and small broccoli-like flower shoots. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness and is excellent for steaming, sautéing, stir-fries, soups, and pasta dishes. It thrives in cool weather and is well suited to Gulf gardens during the winter growing season.

Best Planting Time

• October to February (recommended)
• Best growth occurs during the cool season.
• Avoid sowing during the hot summer months, as high temperatures cause premature flowering (bolting).

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Sow fresh, high-quality seeds.
• No cold stratification is needed.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Garden soil
• 30% Compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite or coarse sand

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–7.5

Sowing Method

• Sow directly into the garden or in seed trays.
• Plant seeds 0.5–1 cm deep.
• Cover lightly with fine soil.
• If using trays, transplant seedlings when they have 4–5 true leaves.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 15–22°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 15–24°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• In warmer Gulf regions, light afternoon shade helps maintain quality.

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.
• Water whenever the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Maintain consistent moisture for tender stems and shoots.
• Avoid waterlogged soil.

Germination Time

• 5–10 days

Plant Spacing

• 25–30 cm between plants.
• 40–50 cm between rows.

Harvesting

• Harvest approximately 45–65 days after sowing.
• Cut young flowering shoots and tender stems before the flowers fully open.
• Continue harvesting regularly to encourage additional side shoots.

Fertilization

• Incorporate compost before planting.
• Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer every 3–4 weeks.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen late in the season, which can reduce flowering shoot quality.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow only during the cool season.
• Mulch to keep the soil cool and conserve moisture.
• Water early in the morning.
• Ensure good air circulation.
• Monitor for aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles, whiteflies, downy mildew, and powdery mildew.
• Broccoletto 'Centoventino' performs very well in raised beds, vegetable gardens, containers, and kitchen gardens throughout the Gulf.