*This seed is offered as part of the "Gusto Italiano Project", a collaborative partnership between Uprising Seeds, Italian breeders Smarties.Bio, and the Culinary Breeding Network. Certified organic seed is grown in Italy by Smarties.Bio, Chioggia, It.*

(Brassica oleracea) Broccolo di Bassano is a unique heritage Italian cauliflower with cream to light green petite heads (~300g) with tight wrapper leaves. Cultivated for centuries in the area of Bassano del Grappa, situated up against the Tyrolean foothills of the northwest Veneto region, it can be found in markets from November through March. There are two varieties we are offering, "il bonorivo" which is late fall heading, producing from late November through the end of the year from late June/early July sowing, and "il tardivo" which is spring heading from the same planting period, similar in form with somewhat jagged leaves and more open inflorescence.

According to Andrea of Smarties.Bio, if you trim off the leaves prior to cooking, you are missing half of the culinary enjoyment of the plants as they are incredibly tender and flavorful at a time when many field greens have become more fibrous from time spent out in the winter elements. We find them to have less water content than most modern cauliflowers, with a texture more akin to Romanesco. Try roasting halved or quartered with the leaves still attached. It also has an absolutely melting texture when steamed and then sauteed to lightly brown. Delicious. These will head in February-March, and a cold snap (if you can consistently have success with purple sprouting broccoli, then il Tardivo will likely grow for you) may cause loss. Requires a mild winter to be successful.
200+ days from transplant (Overwinter variety for late Winter-early Spring harvest)

Packet: 100 seeds

*This seed has tested negative for both Black Leg (Phoma lingam) and Black Rot (Xanthomonas campestris) as required by the WA Dept of Ag crucifer seed quarantine.

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Growing Info

SOWING:

Late June through early July

Note: Harvest period is late Winter/early Spring of the following year. Requires a mild winter to be successful.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/2"

SPACING:

18-24" in rows 18-30" apart.

EMERGENCE:

4-10 days @ soil temp 60-75F.

LIGHT:

Full sun to part shade

FERTILITY:

Moderate-Heavy. Slow-release fertilizers are beneficial for extended harvests of bunching greens. Prefers well-drained, evenly moist soil with moderate, balanced fertility and a pH between 6.0-7.5.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Prefers cooler seasons of Spring and Fall but will tolerate high heat.

Cold-hardy, will survive a light frost. If it's not heading, a moderate frost should be fine.

Floating row covers can help protect against flea beetles.

Cauliflower, 'Broccolo di Bassano (il Tardivo)'