Purple Sprouting Broccoli Seeds | Heirloom

Description

(120+ Days)
Purple Sprouting Broccoli is an old British heirloom that was cultivated to be cold tolerant! This variety produces tons of small, tasty, purple heads that are perfect fresh, steamed, or in stir-fries! If you start it during spring this variety takes around 120 days to reach maturity, but can also be planting in fall (in most moderate climates) to be overwintered in which case it will be ready to harvest during spring. This a beautiful, delicious, and unique broccoli variety to add to your garden!

Sowing: Purple Sprouting Broccoli Seeds grow best in cool weather, so starting the seeds indoors 5-6 weeks before the last expected frost will ensure a faster crop. Shortly after the last frost, prepare the ground with organic matter or fertilizer; when the seedlings reach about 6″ tall, plant them 1-2′ apart in rows 2-3′ apart. For direct sowing seeds, plant these purple sprouting broccoli seeds 1/2″ deep and 12″ apart in full sun and rich soil, after the last expected spring frost; thin them to 3′ apart. Keep the soil moist. For companion planting benefits, plant broccoli with herbs, potatoes, or onions; avoid planting it with tomatoes or pole beans.

Sowing: Purple Sprouting Broccoli Seeds grow best in cool weather, so starting the seeds indoors 5-6 weeks before the last expected frost will ensure a faster crop. Shortly after the last frost, prepare the ground with organic matter or fertilizer; when the seedlings reach about 6″ tall, plant them 1-2′ apart in rows 2-3′ apart. For direct sowing seeds, plant these purple sprouting broccoli seeds 1/2″ deep and 12″ apart in full sun and rich soil, after the last expected spring frost; thin them to 3′ apart. Keep the soil moist. For companion planting benefits, plant broccoli with herbs, potatoes, or onions; avoid planting it with tomatoes or pole beans.

Growing: Keep the young plants watered and remove weeds carefully. Mulch helps discourage weeds and regulate soil temperature, and several applications of fertilizer or compost will also be needed.

Harvesting: The first small heads of broccoli should be ready to harvest in early spring, about 220 days after planting. Harvest them while they are still tight, and before the tiny buds begin to open; cut them with the stems attached, since these are also edible. Side shoots will continue to develop along the stem, and can be harvested as well; the plant will keep producing as long as weather conditions are favorable.

Seed Saving: Allowing broccoli to produce seed will take an entire growing season, and may require digging up the plants for the winter or mulching them well. Broccoli will cross pollinate with other members of the cabbage family such as cauliflower, and isolation of at least 1/4 a mile is recommended to prevent cross breeding. Once the flowers have bloomed and produced seed pods, let them dry and carefully remove them from the plant. Separate the seeds from the pods. Store Purple Sprouting Broccoli Seeds in a dry, cool place for up to five years.