SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Green Magic

Broccoli
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Green Magic to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Green Magic
60d to harvest

Sink your senses into Green Magic’s lush, deep-green crowns—dense, velvety florets that hold their color with a confident, garden-fresh glow. Expect a crisp, tender bite and a satisfying firmness that makes this variety shine in the spotlight, whether you’re enjoying it straight from the garden or turning it into vibrant, flavorful preparations. Green Magic’s steady, uniform heads and reliable performance make it a favorite for home growers seeking dependable results at about 60 days from sowing.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 40°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

For best head quality in warmer spring areas, keep seedlings cool and transplant as soon as nights are consistently near freezing to avoid bolting.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsNov 30th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity60
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitRosette
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)45
Min Soil Temp (°F)40
Min Night Temp (°F)32
Harden Off (days)6

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Green Magic in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Green Magic.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common problem for Brassica oleracea var. italica (Calabrese) and how do I treat it fast?
One frequent issue is cabbageworm/cabbage looper (green caterpillars) that chew holes in broccoli florets and leaves. Check plants 2–3 times per week and spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or apply a fine insect net early, aiming coverage on undersides of leaves where eggs are laid. If you find damage, remove heavily affected leaves immediately to slow spread.
How often should I water Calabrese broccoli during the main growing phase?
During active head and floret formation (around weeks 4–8), keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1–1.5 inches of water per week total, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, and avoid letting the top 1 inch dry out because stress can lead to loose, poorly formed heads.
How can I tell when Brassica oleracea var. italica (Calabrese) is ready to harvest at ~60 days?
Harvest when the central head is tight and deep-green, with small buds still closed and before any yellow flowers show. Cut the main head 5–8 inches below it using a sharp knife; side shoots will continue to produce smaller florets for additional harvests if you keep watering and feeding lightly. If buds start opening, harvest immediately—over-mature heads become less tender.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 40°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

For best head quality in warmer spring areas, keep seedlings cool and transplant as soon as nights are consistently near freezing to avoid bolting.

Botanical illustration of Green Magic

Sink your senses into Green Magic’s lush, deep-green crowns—dense, velvety florets that hold their color with a confident, garden-fresh glow. Expect a crisp, tender bite and a satisfying firmness that makes this variety shine in the spotlight, whether you’re enjoying it straight from the garden or turning it into vibrant, flavorful preparations. Green Magic’s steady, uniform heads and reliable performance make it a favorite for home growers seeking dependable results at about 60 days from sowing.