Grow Your Own Purple Broccoli Seeds Fresh Vegetables Fruit Herbs Plant

Seed Sowing

Seeds can be sown between March and July but if sowing outdoors, it’s advisable not to sow until April. Purple sprouting broccoli is a summer cropping vegetable, which can be started early in a greenhouse during March or sown directly into seed beds during favourable weather conditions.

Sowing in a greenhouse

Seeds can be sown in small pots or modular trays during March. Place 2 seeds into a pot or module of seed compost at 1.5cm deep and lightly cover with sifted compost. Firm the surface and water lightly using a watering can with a rose attachment. After germination, reduce to one seed per unit. Keep the seedlings watered. After 2-3 weeks move the plants to a cold frame to harden off then plant out into prepared beds 7-10 days later.

Sowing Outdoors

If sowing directly into seed beds outdoors, use the edge of a hoe to create a shallow furrow about 2cm deep. Sow 2-3 seeds every 60cm and lightly cover with soil. Gently firm down the surface, using the back of a rake then water with a watering can with a rose attachment. When seedlings appear, reduce to one plant per 60cm. If growing several plants in rows then allow 60cm between rows.

Planting Out

Plants that have been started off under glass and then hardened off can be planted out into their final beds or plots during April. Water the pots or trays about an hour before planting out. Plant out into their permanent positions, 60cm apart and 60cm between rows, using a hand trowel. Ensure the soil is firmed, especially around the base of the plants and then water in.

Harvesting

Cut the purple ‘spears’ from the centre first, when they become well-formed and before the small florets open. Cut the shoots off at an angle, which will allow water to run off. Side shoots will then appear within a few weeks with more sprouting spears, ready for harvesting over the coming 4-6 weeks.