Brassica oleracea (Italica Group) 'Samson' (calabrese 'Samson') — Upright, Bushy, Columnar

Overview

Brassica oleracea (Italica Group) 'Samson' is a upright, bushy, columnar annual biennial in the genus Brassica, part of the Brassicaceae family, with evergreen, glaucous leaves foliage. Brassica oleracea (Italica Group) 'Samson' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include vegetable gardens and ornamental plantings.

About

Brassica oleracea (Italica Group) 'Samson', commonly known as calabrese 'Samson', is a cultivar within the Brassica genus, which includes a range of annual, biennial, and perennial plants typically noted for their upright growth and glaucous, evergreen leaves. This cultivar exhibits an upright, bushy, and columnar habit, thriving best in fertile, firm, well-drained alkaline soil under full sun. Suitable for vegetable gardens and ornamental plantings, 'Samson' prefers a sheltered position with south or west-facing aspects and moist but well-drained soil. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is propagated by seed, offering seasonal interest from spring through autumn.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Brassica

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pH: Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Brassica oleracea (Italica Group) 'Samson' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual Biennial
Habit: Upright, Bushy, Columnar
Foliage: Evergreen, Glaucous leaves
Suggested uses: Vegetable gardens, Ornamental plantings

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Brassica oleracea (Italica Group) 'Samson'

Propagation: Seed
Pest resistance: Flea beetle, Cabbage root fly, Cabbage white butterfly, Aphids, Snails, Pigeons
Disease resistance: Club root, Downy mildew, White rust, Black leaf spot, Powdery mildew, Damping off, White mold, Root knot nematodes

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Brassica oleracea (Italica Group) 'Samson'?

Brassica oleracea (Italica Group) 'Samson' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Brassica oleracea (Italica Group) 'Samson' need?

Brassica oleracea (Italica Group) 'Samson' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and chalk. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Brassica oleracea (Italica Group) 'Samson' hardy in the UK?

Brassica oleracea (Italica Group) 'Samson' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Brassica oleracea (Italica Group) 'Samson'?

Seed.

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