Brassica oleracea Italica Group x Alboglabra Group - Brocoletti
Despite its Italian name this vegetable was first developed in Japan. The entire plant is consumable, including the occasional yellow flower.
Common cooking methods include sauteeing, steaming, boiling and stir frying. Its flavor is sweet, with notes of both broccoli and asparagus, although it is not related to the latter.
Nutritionally, it is high in vitamin C and contains vitamin A, calcium, folate, and iron.
Broccoletti requires a fertile soil with good moisture holding capacity. Broccoletti does not generally do well in hot weather, the best success being with Spring Autumn and Winter.
Full sun position is advantageous. Plant seeds 0.5-1.0cm deep and 35-40cm apart in rows 50-60cm apart.
Broccoli likes a rich garden bed with ample lime or wood ash.
Plant from September to April in Temperate districts and one month later in Cool districts. In Tropical areas from February to May or June.