Calabrese Marathon F1 Seeds
Calabrese Marathon F1 is widely regarded as one of the finest summer calabrese varieties available. Awarded the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, this dependable hybrid produces dense, medium-sized blue-green heads with excellent flavour and outstanding garden performance. Its reliability, long cropping period and ability to grow successfully in most soil types have made it a favourite with home gardeners and allotment growers throughout the UK.
After harvesting the main central head, Marathon F1 continues to produce numerous smaller side shoots, significantly extending the harvesting season. The firm, tightly packed florets have a mild, sweet flavour and excellent texture, making them ideal for steaming, stir-frying, roasting or freezing. Healthy, vigorous plants show good tolerance to common growing conditions and offer dependable yields even in less-than-perfect seasons.
Sowing & Propagation
Sow seeds from March to June take a look at our Propagation Equipment
Sow in modules or seed trays using a quality seed compost. Cover lightly with compost and keep moist. Germination is best at temperatures between 15–20°C.
When seedlings have developed several true leaves, harden them off before planting outdoors. Transplant into fertile, firm soil in a sunny position, spacing plants approximately 45cm apart, with 60cm between rows. Calabrese thrives in moisture-retentive, neutral to alkaline soil enriched with organic matter.
Growing On
Water regularly during dry weather to maintain steady growth and encourage large, firm heads. Feed with a balanced fertiliser during the growing season and keep plants free from weeds. Protect crops from pigeons and cabbage white butterflies using fine netting where necessary.
Firm soil around the plants helps prevent rocking in windy conditions and encourages healthy root development. As with all brassicas, practising crop rotation helps reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Harvesting
Harvest from July to October when the central head is fully developed but before the flower buds begin to open. Cut the main head with a short length of stem attached. Smaller side shoots will continue to develop after the main head is removed, providing additional harvests over several weeks. The fresh florets are delicious steamed, roasted, stir-fried or frozen for later use.
Key Features
- RHS Award of Garden Merit
- Premium F1 hybrid
- Dense blue-green heads
- Excellent sweet flavour
- Long harvesting season
- Produces productive side shoots
- Reliable performer in UK conditions
- Suitable for most soil types
- Excellent for fresh use or freezing
- Ideal for gardens and allotments
Calabrese ‘Marathon’ F1 is an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking dependable harvests of premium-quality calabrese. Combining excellent flavour, vigorous growth and an extended cropping season, it remains one of the UK’s most trusted and widely grown summer calabrese varieties. Buy Calabrese Marathon F1 Seeds
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