BROCCOLI - PURPLE EARLY SPROUTING

 Organic Broccoli Purple Early Sprouting

        100 Seeds Pack   

Purple broccoli is native to the eastern Mediterranean and Central Asian region and was first cultivated in Southern Italy. Seeds for “Sprouting Purple broccoli” were first listed in the French Vilmorin-Andrieux seed catalog in 1885. There are several different named cultivars of Purple broccoli, including Bordeaux, Claret, Nine Star, Red Arrow, Red Head and Red Spear. 

Purple Early Sprouting broccoli develops large, silvery-green leaves on stiff stems growing in whorls around a green central stalk. The plant produces a small, deep purple central head made of tiny flower sprouts, and nearly a dozen similarly sized heads on thinner stalks. Individual spears are harvested around 13 centimetres long for bunching and to promote the growth of additional heads. Purple Early Sprouting offers a nutty, peppery flavour with the subtle sweetness and bitterness common to all Brassica vegetables.   

PLANTING & GROWING

To prevent spring planted calabrese sprouting broccoli from flowering during summer harvest, start plants indoors six to eight weeks before the final frost. Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm.) deep in a good quality starter soil and keep moist during germination. Place sprouted seedlings near a window or under grow lights. 

To prevent sun scorched leaves and transplant shock, each broccoli plant will need hardened off before planting in the garden. To harden vegetable plants, slowly introduce them to full sunlight and windy conditions by exposing them to the outdoors for an increasingly longer period of time each day. Using a portable mini greenhouse can aid in this process.

Once the ground has sufficiently warmed and danger of frost has past, transplant calabrese sprouting broccoli to a sunny location with good drainage. Fall crops of broccoli can be started in midsummer by direct seeding into the garden. Thin or transplant broccoli to space plants 12 to 16 inches (30-40 cm.) apart. Keep soil moist and control competition from weeds by removing unwanted plants or mulching. 

Celery, potatoes, and onions are companions to broccoli that are said to improve broccoli’s flavour. Beets, as well as nasturtiums and marigolds make great companions since they do not require the large amount of calcium that broccoli craves. 

Neve plant near Tomatoes and other nightshades. To prevent disease transmission, rotate crops. Avoid planting broccoli where any member of the cabbage family has been grown in the past three years.