Broccoli

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a healthy and fairly undemanding brassica — quicker and more forgiving than cauliflower. Start early varieties indoors from February and plant out from April; a second planting in July extends the harvest well into autumn. After the main head is cut, most varieties produce side shoots, so the harvest carries on for several more weeks. It wants humus-rich, moist soil and protection from cabbage white butterflies. Cut the heads while they are firm and tightly closed — once the buds start turning yellow, it's too late.