Purple Sprouting Broccoli

Purple sprouting broccoli is a variety of broccoli characterized by its long, slender stalks and small, clustered purple or green florets. It is a cool-season vegetable that typically grows during the late winter and early spring months.

 

Purple sprouting broccoli has thin, tall stalks with small leaves along their length. The heads consist of numerous small, edible florets that can be either purple or green, depending on the variety. The flavor of purple sprouting broccoli is similar to regular broccoli but tends to be slightly sweeter and more tender. The stalks are usually milder in taste compared to the florets.

 

Like other members of the Brassica family, purple sprouting broccoli is highly nutritious. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber, iron, and calcium. It also contains antioxidants and phytochemicals that offer various health benefits.

 

Purple sprouting broccoli is a winter and early spring crop. It is sown in late spring or early summer and grows throughout the fall and winter months. The plants produce edible florets in the following spring.

 

Days to Maturity: 65 Days

Seeds per pack: 30

• Growing requirements: Purple sprouting broccoli requires full sun and well-drained soil to grow successfully. It is a cool-season crop that can be planted in the fall for a winter harvest, or in the early spring for a late spring harvest.

• Planting: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date, or directly sow seeds in the garden once the soil has warmed up in the spring. Space plants 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart in rows that are 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart.

• Watering and fertilizing: Purple sprouting broccoli requires regular watering and fertilizing to grow successfully. Water deeply once a week or more frequently during hot, dry weather. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

• Pest and disease management: Purple sprouting broccoli is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, cabbage loopers, and clubroot. Use insecticidal soap or other organic pest control methods to manage pests, and rotate crops every year to reduce the risk of disease.

• Harvesting: Purple sprouting broccoli is typically ready to harvest 65 days or longer depending on the weather conditions and other factors. The florets should be harvested when they are firm and tightly formed, but before they begin to flower. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the florets from the stem, leaving a few inches of stem attached.