Purple Sprouting Broccoli (Early)

The sprouts of this broccoli variety are deep purple, resembling calabrese. When cooked, the dark purple spears turn green. The plants typically grow to a height of around 90cm and spread about 60cm wide.

The sprouts possess a delicate flavour and crunchy texture, making them ideal for light steaming or inclusion in stir-fries. Additionally, the sprouts can be frozen for later use, extending their culinary utility.

Known for its abundant yield, especially when regularly picked. Sowing occurs from March to June with transplanting following about 5 weeks later, leading to a harvest period extending from July to November if sowed at regular intervals, or March to May of the following year for a spring harvest.

This variety of broccoli is a biennial but typically grown as an annual in the UK, showcasing robust growth, especially when transplanted at a height of 7-9cm and spaced 50-60cm apart​​.

Preferring a sheltered location, this broccoli thrives in firm, rich, fertile, well-drained soil under full sun conditions. It withstands temperatures down to -12°C, highlighting its winter hardiness​.

A reliable producer, the broccoli yields a high amount of sprouts when picked regularly, and with its winter hardiness, it assures a harvest even in early spring when other vegetables might not be available.

Soil preparation is crucial, involving the incorporation of compost or well-rotted manure. Sowing should be done in well-prepared seedbeds, with seedlings thinned and transplanted onto the vegetable plot once they reach a certain height. Watering before and after transplanting is essential for proper root establishment and growth​​.