Broccoli Wiarus

Broccoli Wiarus — variety description

Broccoli Wiarus (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is an annual vegetable of the Cabbage family (Brassicaceae). This variety produces compact, well-shaped, grey-green broccoli weighing 250-300 g.

After the main rosette is cut, the plant develops a large number of smaller side broccoli heads. The leaves are thick and firm, deeply cut on long stalks.

The surface of the leaf blade has a waxy coating that gives it a grey-green tint. Viarus tolerates frosts down to -6 °C.

Broccoli is very nutritious. Its chemical composition is richer than that of cauliflower. It contains sugar, nitrogen and protein, as well as carotene, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and magnesium.

Broccoli does not lose its nutritional and flavour qualities even after freezing. Broccoli protein contains choline methionine, which prevents cholesterol from building up in the body.

Broccoli is among the most valuable vegetables for health and gives two harvests — a central head and side shoots.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 92%
• Pack size: 0.6 g
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: April and May; seedlings
• Harvest: August and September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Broccoli Wiarus

Broccoli Wiarus seeds are sown in April and May. Harvest in August and September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Broccoli Wiarus

• Sowing method: seedlings
• Depth: 1 cm
• Spacing: 40–50 cm
• Germination: 5–10 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Broccoli is grown both from transplants and by direct sowing. The most suitable time to sow seeds for transplants is early to mid April. The optimal temperature for seedlings is 18-19 °C by day and 6-7 degrees at night. The sowing depth is 1.5-2 cm, and the spacing between plants is 4x4 cm. Sprouts begin to appear on day 6-7. Seedlings are planted in their permanent position at 50-55 days old, planting pattern 65 x 65 cm. Seeds are sown in the ground from the first ten days of May. The row spacing is 60 cm, and between plants 20-30 cm. 10 days after planting out the seedlings, and also before the heads form, the broccoli should be fed.

Plant the seedlings in rich soil; water regularly and feed. They are suitable for spring and autumn growing.

Harvest and use

Cut the central head while the buds are still tightly closed; the plant then produces side shoots for weeks.

Frequently asked questions

When should Broccoli Wiarus be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: seedlings.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 92%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Does broccoli produce more than one head?

Yes — after the central head is cut, side shoots develop that are harvested for 3–6 weeks.