Brassica oleracea var. italica 'Green Magic'

Broccoli is a tasty and nutritious vegetable that can survive temperatures down to -12°C. Choose the right varieties and time your seed sowing well, and you could harvest crops from autumn right through to early summer. The leaves are also edible. Once the central head has been cut, smaller sideshoots will be produced.

Broccoli 'Green Magic' is an early maturing variety with a tasty flavour and resistance to white rust. Like other brassicas, broccoli 'Green Magic' thrives in a fairly heavy, alkaline soil – if your soil is acidic, add lime. Grow in a sheltered spot in firm, rich, well-drained soil in full sun. The Royal Horticultural Society has given Broccoli 'Green Magic' the prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

Plant deeply, 60cm apart, and protect from birds and insects. Water well after planting.