Purple broccoli grows when the weather is cool. It is also known as Asparagus broccoli and winter sprouting broccoli.
Purple broccoli is not as widely available as green broccoli, but it can be found at specialty grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or even grown in home gardens. Its striking appearance and unique taste make it a delightful addition to any plate, providing both visual appeal and nutritional value.
Read the White Broccoli Information Guide
Purple Broccoli Information
Also known as purple sprouting broccoli, it is a distinct kind of broccoli (Brassica oleracea) that looks different because it has a purple or deep violet color in the florets, stems, and leaves. It is in the same family as cabbage and kale.
There are different kinds of purple broccoli, including Bordeaux, Claret, Nine Star, Red Arrow, Red Head, and Red Spear. When the purple broccoli grows older, the purple color gets even stronger. The florets of this broccoli are smaller and more delicate compared to regular broccoli.
The taste of this cultivar is a bit like regular broccoli but has its own unique flavor. Some people describe it as earthy, slightly sweet, and nutty. The taste can be a little different depending on the specific kind of purple broccoli and how it was grown.
It is good for health as it has important nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K. It also has fiber, folate, and special substances called antioxidants. The purple color comes from these antioxidants called anthocyanins, which are good for your health.
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How to Grow Purple Broccoli
When to Plant
By growing special types meant for the summer season, like ‘Bordeaux’ or ‘Summer Purple,’ you can have fresh purple sprouting broccoli all year round.
To do this, you need to start by planting the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. You can directly sow the seeds outdoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
If you prefer the traditional winter crop of purple sprouting broccoli, you should sow the seeds in a special seedbed in late April or early May. Once the seedlings start growing, make sure to remove some of them, leaving about 4 inches of space between each plant.
In June or early July, when the young plants are strong enough, you can move them to their final spots in the garden. Make sure to give each plant about 18 inches of space in all directions.
Propagating Purple Broccoli
From Seeds:
- Use small pots or multi-cell trays filled with good-quality compost for seeds.
- Plant the seeds in the compost at the right depth.
- When the seedlings are big enough, transfer them to individual 4-5-inch pots.
- Water the seedlings after transplanting to help them settle.
Transplanting the purple broccoli plants into the garden:
- When the plants reach a height of around 3-4 inches, it’s time to transplant them.
- Before removing them from their pots, give them good watering.
- Plant the broccoli plants about 20-24 inches apart from each other, with the same distance between rows.
- After planting, water them again and gently press the soil around the roots to secure them in place.
From Transplants:
- Get healthy young plants that are 3-5 weeks old from a nursery.
- Put each plant in its own pot.
- If you’re planting multiple plants together, make sure to keep them at least 15-18 inches apart.
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Growing Purple Broccoli in Pots
Select a pot that is up to 12-16 inches deep with a diameter of 18-24 inches. Make sure the container has enough drainage holes to avoid root rot. You can use plastic, ceramic, or terracotta pots for this purpose.
Growing Conditions for Purple Broccoli
Location
Try to make sure your plant gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. Find a spot in your garden that faces south for the best sunlight exposure.
However, be cautious because too much sun can harm the leaves, so you might need to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. If the plants don’t get enough sunlight, they may become tall and weak.
Soil
It prefers well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Before you plant it, make sure to take out any weeds from the soil and add balanced fertilizer to make it better. Add lime to the soil if it is too acidic. Make sure to water the soil regularly to keep it moist but not overly wet.
Water
Give your purple broccoli a good amount of water. It’s important to water the plants well, especially during dry periods, so they can keep growing without any interruptions.
Purple Broccoli Care
Fertilizer
Before you plant your purple broccoli, add a balanced organic fertilizer to the soil. During the growing season, add compost or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer around the plants to support their healthy growth.
Support
Use supports or stakes to keep the broccoli plants standing upright during the fall to prevent them from falling over in strong winds.
Mulch
To keep the soil moist, put a layer of mulch on top. This will also help prevent water from evaporating. Spreading a 2-inch layer of hay, chopped leaves, or straw over the soil will work well.
Pruning
During the growing season, remove the new side shoots that are growing by pinching them off. If you notice any wilting leaves on the sides, you can trim them away. Just make sure not to prune too much.
Pest and Diseases
Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs. If needed, use organic methods like picking them off by hand or using insecticidal soap to control them.
Rotate your crops every year and maintain good garden cleanliness to minimize the chances of diseases such as clubroot and downy mildew.
Harvesting and Storage
Purple sprouting broccoli takes a long time, around 180 days, to grow fully. Unlike other types of broccoli with one big head, this broccoli has many smaller heads and tender side shoots.
When it’s time to harvest, wait until the flower shoots have grown well but before the flowers open up. Use a sharp knife to cut the main central spear first, as this encourages more side shoots to grow. Keep picking the side shoots regularly to make the plant produce more and extend the time you can harvest the broccoli.
It’s best to enjoy Purple Broccoli fresh, but you can store it for a few days in the refrigerator.
Top Purple Broccoli Varieties
- ‘Early Purple Sprouting’: This Purple Broccoli is an early-maturing cultivar popular for its striking purple floret and tender stems. It gives a mild flavor; you can harvest it from late winter to early spring.
- ‘Red Arrow’: It offers deep purple heads and ample side shoots. This variety has a nutty and sweet taste.
- ‘Purple Peacock’: This cultivar has lovely big purple florets that are slightly larger than other types of broccoli. It has a milder taste and is great for cooking.
- ‘Santee’: This special broccoli is known for its eye-catching dark purple heads and lots of extra side shoots. It has a sweet and mild taste.
- ‘Red Spear’: It is a hybrid variety that has beautiful deep purple florets and grows very well. It produces lots of extra side shoots and has a slightly stronger flavor.
- ‘Early Purple Sprouting Bari’: This type matures early and has deep purple florets. It is famous for its delicious taste and ability to produce a lot of broccoli.
- ‘Rubine’: It has beautiful deep purple heads and soft stems. It has a wonderfully sweet and nutty taste.
- Claret F1 Hybrid: It gives you a lot of produce starting in mid-April. The stems are extra big, and you can keep picking them for up to four weeks.
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