SPIGARIELLO RICCIO SEEDS

Brassica oleracea

The wild sister of Spigariello Liscio, this Spigariello features spectacularly dissected leaves that, when picked young, make fantastic salad greens. Leaves are tender and sweet, even when grown in the heat. Stems are thick and succulent. Holds through several light frosts. Sow in both spring and autumn.

Spigariello Riccio is the same steely blue as Spigariello Liscio, but its habit is slightly more bonkers, and the leaves are almost filigreed at maturity. Excellent for use in salads, quiches, pastas, and spanakopita.

Culture and germination are the same as for other Brassica oleracea: sow seeds just below surface of moist soil, press gently and mist generously with warm water; kept warm (70°F) and moist in bright light, seeds will germinate within a week. Prick out and transplant to individual containers when seedlings have true leaves. Grow on in cool temperatures and bright light, keeping well-watered, and giving a weekly dose of dilute fish-based fertilizer. Seedlings tolerate light frost and are best planted outdoors into well-amended garden soil around two weeks before the average last frost. Protect from freezing temperatures. Use row covers to extend season in autumn. Seeds may also be sown directly into warm garden soil in spring. Thin plants to at least 1’ after cutting.

Some gardeners report that these plants produce sweet florets in autumn and winter. This has not happened for us, and the plants do not survive our zone 5 winters.

Packet contains at least 500 seeds.