Broccoli ‘Purple Sprouting’

Move over ordinary broccoli — ‘Purple Sprouting’ brings vibrant purple florets to the cool-season garden! This heirloom favourite produces tender, sweet shoots packed with flavour and nutrients. Unlike heading broccoli, it sends up multiple side shoots over an extended period, giving you weeks of harvest. Hardy, productive and beautiful — it’s a must-grow for winter veg gardens and market growers alike.

🌱 How to Grow:

Sowing Time (South Africa):

Late summer to autumn (January–April) for winter to early spring harvests.
In very cold regions, sow slightly earlier to establish strong plants before frost.

Germination:

7–14 days at 15–22°C
Sow 5–10 mm deep in trays or directly into prepared beds.

Transplanting:

Transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall and strong enough to handle.
Space 45–60 cm apart to allow for full development.

🌞 Position:

Full sun.
Prefers cool weather and performs best in crisp winter conditions.

🪨 Soil:

Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost or aged manure.
Heavy feeder — benefits from fertile soil.
pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5).
Avoid acidic soils for best results.

💧 Watering:

Moderate to consistent.
Keep soil evenly moist, especially during head formation.
Avoid water stress, which can cause small or loose shoots.

🌼 Harvest Time:

90–120 days from sowing (varies with climate).
Harvest the central head first, then enjoy multiple side shoots over several weeks.
Pick shoots when florets are tight and well-coloured before flowers open.

📏 Height & Spread:

60–90 cm tall
45–60 cm wide
Upright, branching habit producing numerous tender shoots.

🌿 Top Tips:

✔️ Feed regularly with an organic vegetable fertiliser.
✔️ Stake in windy areas to prevent toppling.
✔️ Harvest frequently to encourage more side shoots.
✔️ Protect young plants from caterpillars with netting if needed.
✔️ Excellent for succession planting for extended winter harvests.

🐝 Pollinator Friendly:

If allowed to flower, the blooms attract bees and beneficial insects — a bonus for edible gardens!

💜 Why Grow ‘Purple Sprouting’ Broccoli?

✔️ Striking purple shoots packed with flavour
✔️ Sweet, tender stems — delicious steamed or roasted
✔️ Extended harvest from multiple side shoots
✔️ Cold-hardy and reliable winter performer
✔️ Adds colour and interest to the veg patch

Grow bold colour through winter!
Broccoli ‘Purple Sprouting’ delivers beauty, flavour and abundant harvests when the rest of the garden slows down. 🥦💜🌿