Samson F1
Calabrese in the UK
Samson F1 is a maincrop variety that produces really large, domed and heavy central heads, so you get a proper weighty harvest. If you like your calabrese big and bountiful, this one's for you.
Sow window for Calabrese generally.
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How to grow it
You can start your calabrese seeds off from March right through to June, which is cracking for getting a long harvest. Sow them thinly, about 1.5 cm deep, in trays on a windowsill or in the greenhouse, or direct outside if the weather's warmed up a bit after the last frost. For a steady supply, sow a small batch every few weeks – that's what we call successional sowing, and it really works. They'll be ready for harvesting in about 80 days, so plan ahead.
Once your seedlings have two proper leaves, you'll want to prick them out into individual pots. Let them grow on a bit, then harden them off for a week or two outside before planting them out on the plot. Down here in the North East, that's usually mid to late May, mind. Give them about 45 cm between plants, and 60 cm between rows, they need space to grow big and strong.
More Calabrese varieties
Track your Calabrese from packet to plate
Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.
Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 3 September 2026.