Broccoli – Purple Sprouting

Description

Purple Sprouting Broccoli

50 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 180–220 days days from transplant

Sun Requirements: Full sun (6–8 hours); tolerates partial shade in hot climates to prevent bolting.

Botanical Name: (Brassica oleracea)

A traditional English heirloom, Purple Sprouting Broccoli was introduced to the U.S. in the late 19th century and originally bred for overwintering in cold climates. This hardy, open-pollinated variety thrives when sown in late summer for an early spring harvest, often maturing in March or April. With some frost protection—such as a cold frame—it can survive temperatures below 10°F, making it a reliable staple for cool-season gardens.

Plants grow upright and bushy, reaching 24–36″ tall and 12–18″ wide. Rather than forming a single large head, Purple Sprouting Broccoli produces a profusion of slender side shoots, each topped with small violet-purple florets that turn green when cooked. The flavor is sweet, slightly nutty, and exceptionally tender—ideal for eating fresh, sautéed, or added to pasta, salads, and stir-fries.

Purple Sprouting Broccoli fills the seasonal gap when little else is available, bringing both color and nutrition to the late-winter garden. Rich in fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamins C and K, it also contains anthocyanins—the antioxidant pigments responsible for its striking hue. A must-have for gardeners who love extending the harvest into early spring.

Planting Instructions for Purple Sprouting Broccoli Seeds

When to Plant:
Purple Sprouting broccoli is typically grown as an overwintering crop. Sow seeds in mid to late summer, about 24–26 weeks before your final expected spring harvest. Transplant seedlings when they are 4–6 weeks old and fully hardened off. Plants will grow through the fall, overwinter, and begin producing harvestable shoots in early spring. Avoid planting in midsummer heat. In most regions, Purple Sprouting broccoli is not harvested the same year it is sown—it is planted in summer and harvested in early spring the following year.

Where to Plant:
Choose a location in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Purple Sprouting broccoli prefers a slightly alkaline pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If needed, lime the soil the previous fall to adjust pH and reduce risk of club root. Work in compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Avoid growing brassicas in the same spot two years in a row.

How to Plant:
Sow Purple Sprouting broccoli seeds ¼–½ inch deep in trays, pots, or directly in the garden. Thin indoor seedlings to one per cell after sprouting. Transplant when 4–6 inches tall and with at least 4 true leaves. Space plants 24–30 inches apart with 30 inches between rows, as this variety grows large and branches extensively. Generous spacing allows airflow and supports strong side-shoot production as the plant matures.

Growing Tips:
Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry spells. Avoid watering the developing heads directly, as moisture trapped in the buds can lead to rot. Feed with high-nitrogen fertilizer (like 21-0-0) four weeks after transplanting, and again during active shoot production for best results. Mulch to conserve moisture, reduce weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Protect young plants from cabbage worms, flea beetles, and aphids using row covers or insect mesh. In regions where winter lows regularly drop below 15°F, a cold frame or low tunnel may be necessary for successful overwintering.

Harvesting:
Harvest begins in early spring once the first side shoots are well formed but before the flower buds begin to open. Cut individual shoots regularly to encourage continued production. Purple Sprouting broccoli produces many slender side shoots rather than a single central head, offering a steady harvest over several weeks. For best flavor, pick while buds are tight and compact.

Saving Seeds:
Purple Sprouting broccoli produces seed in its second year. Leave a few healthy plants unharvested to flower in spring. Yellow blossoms are followed by slender seed pods. Once pods have dried fully on the plant, pull the plant and hang it upside down in a dry place.

When crisp, twist open the pods over a clean sheet of paper to collect the seeds. Store in a labeled envelope in a cool, dry location. We offer seed-saving envelopes—an easy, tidy way to label your varieties and keep everything organized, season after season. Properly stored, Purple Sprouting broccoli seeds remain viable for up to 5 years. Isolate from other Brassica oleracea crops to maintain purity.

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