broccoli 'Purple Sprouting Early'
purple broccoli or Brassica oleracea (Italica Group) 'Early Purple Sprouting'
This attractive and easy to grow crop will reliably produce a good supply of deep purple spears, which will turn green when cooked. Able to withstand low winter temperatures, the delicately flavoured spears of broccoli 'Purple Sprouting Early' can be harvested from late winter and used in a wide range of dishes including stir-fries.
Sow both early-and late-maturing varieties of purple-sprouting broccoli to extend the harvest over two months or more.
Sow both early-and late-maturing varieties of purple-sprouting broccoli to extend the harvest over two months or more.
How to care for broccoli Purple Sprouting Early:
Once seedlings are established, thin them to allow space for air circulation and healthy growth. Keep well-watered, especially during dry spells, and feed every few weeks with a high-nitrogen fertiliser once the plants are growing strongly. Netting protects against pigeons and cabbage white butterflies, which can damage leaves and reduce yields.
Harvest the central head while it’s still tight and compact. Cut just below the head, and the plant should produce smaller side shoots that can be picked over the following weeks. Regular picking helps prolong the cropping period.
Harvest the central head while it’s still tight and compact. Cut just below the head, and the plant should produce smaller side shoots that can be picked over the following weeks. Regular picking helps prolong the cropping period.
Sowing instructions:
Sow seeds in shallow drills 15cm (6in) apart, in a well prepared seedbed in spring. Thin seedlings to 7-10cm (3-4in) apart and transplant onto the vegetable plot once they reach 10cm (4in) tall. Space plants about 60cm (2ft) apart and firm in well. Alternatively, sow the seeds thinly in seed trays under glass at 55°F (13°C).
Prick out and grow on, hardening off before planting out when about 15cm (6in) tall to the same spacings as above. Protect from slugs and cover with a net to keep the pigeons off.
Prick out and grow on, hardening off before planting out when about 15cm (6in) tall to the same spacings as above. Protect from slugs and cover with a net to keep the pigeons off.
Eventual height:
0.7m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Slow growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 750 seeds
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