Broccoli ‘Purple Sprouting’ Vegetable Seeds
Grow tender purple broccoli spears for repeated cool-season harvests, fresh bunches and seasonal vegetable boxes. Purple Sprouting Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a traditional heirloom variety that produces numerous small flowering shoots rather than one large central head.
The tender stems, purple florets and young accompanying leaves can be harvested together. Regular picking encourages further side shoots, providing an extended picking period while conditions remain favourable.
Well suited to cool and temperate Australian growing regions, Purple Sprouting is a useful option for market gardeners and growers planning winter-to-spring production. Allow sufficient space and time for plants to establish before the main harvest season.
Purple Sprouting Broccoli Seed Details
| Botanical name | Brassica oleracea var. italica |
|---|---|
| Variety | Purple Sprouting |
| Plant type | Cool-season brassica, generally grown as an annual crop |
| Growth habit | Upright, branching plants producing multiple flowering shoots |
| Plant height | Approximately 60–100 cm, depending on conditions |
| Harvest type | Tender purple spears with edible stems and young leaves |
| Frost tolerance | Hardy once established; protect young transplants from severe conditions |
| Position | Full sun preferred |
| Sowing depth | Approximately 5–10 mm |
| Germination | Usually 7–14 days under suitable conditions |
| Plant spacing | Approximately 45–60 cm between plants |
| Harvest season | Typically late winter into spring for traditional overwintering strains; timing varies with strain, climate and sowing date |
Why Grow Purple Sprouting Broccoli?
- Produces numerous tender purple spears for repeated picking.
- Distinctive colour adds variety to fresh produce displays and vegetable boxes.
- Established plants tolerate cool weather and frost.
- Edible stems, florets and young leaves offer a versatile kitchen harvest.
- Regular harvesting encourages further side-shoot production.
- Useful for planning late-winter and spring harvests in suitable climates.
- Excellent for steaming, stir-frying, roasting and grilling.
How to Grow Purple Sprouting Broccoli from Seed
Purple Sprouting Broccoli benefits from steady growth and enough time to develop a strong framework before cropping. Plan its position carefully, as traditional strains can occupy a bed for several months before producing spears.
- Choose a sunny position.
Select an open site with good light and airflow. Avoid exposed positions where tall, mature plants may be damaged by strong winds. - Prepare fertile, well-drained soil.
Incorporate mature compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting where needed. Provide balanced nutrition and avoid ground that remains waterlogged. - Sow the seeds.
Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep in seedling trays, cells or a prepared seedbed. Cover lightly and water gently. - Maintain even moisture.
Keep the seed-raising mix moist without saturating it. Provide good light after emergence to encourage sturdy seedlings. - Transplant sturdy seedlings.
Harden seedlings gradually before planting out. Set them into firm soil and water thoroughly to settle the roots. - Allow room for mature plants.
Space plants approximately 45–60 cm apart, with sufficient room between rows for airflow, crop maintenance and harvesting. - Water, mulch and feed as needed.
Maintain consistent moisture during establishment and spear development. Mulch around plants, keeping it clear of stems, and apply fertiliser according to soil needs and label directions. - Support and protect the crop.
Stake plants if they become top-heavy. Use insect exclusion netting where appropriate and inspect regularly for caterpillars and aphids.
When to Sow Purple Sprouting Broccoli in Australia
Plan sowing so plants establish before winter and develop through the cooler months. The guide below provides a starting point; adjust it to local conditions and the sowing instructions supplied with your seed.
| Climate | General Sowing Guide |
|---|---|
| Cool | Generally summer to early autumn. Establish plants before winter growth slows. |
| Temperate | Generally late summer to early autumn for growth through winter and subsequent spear production. |
| Subtropical | Autumn sowing may suit cooler districts. Traditional strains can crop poorly where winters are too mild. |
| Tropical | Generally unsuitable for traditional overwintering strains in warm lowland areas. Cooler highland locations may differ. |
| Arid | Late summer to autumn as extreme heat eases, provided irrigation is available and winter conditions suit the strain. |
For commercial plantings, trial the variety locally before committing a large area. Winter temperatures and strain differences can affect both harvest timing and cropping performance.
Harvesting Purple Sprouting Broccoli
Harvest when the purple flower buds are tightly closed and the stems are tender. Pick before yellow flowers begin to open.
Start with the central spear: Remove the first main spear when ready to encourage the development of side shoots.
Continue picking side shoots: Cut tender spears with a short length of stem and any small accompanying leaves. Leave the plant in place to produce further shoots.
Harvest regularly: Check plants frequently during active production. Regular picking helps maintain quality and prevents shoots from becoming overmature.
Handle carefully: Keep harvested spears shaded and cool promptly to preserve freshness for sale or kitchen use.
Maturity varies considerably between strains and growing conditions. Traditional overwintering Purple Sprouting may take approximately 6–9 months from sowing, while earlier selections can be faster. Use your seed supplier’s strain-specific maturity information when scheduling production.
How to Use Purple Sprouting Broccoli
The tender spears can be cooked whole or cut into shorter lengths. Trim any tough stem ends before preparing.
- Steaming: Cook briefly until the stems are just tender.
- Stir-fries: Add sliced stems first, followed by the florets and tender leaves.
- Roasting: Toss with olive oil and roast as a seasonal side dish.
- Grilling: Lightly oil the spears and grill until tender with lightly charred edges.
- Pasta and grain dishes: Combine with garlic, lemon and other seasonal vegetables.
- Fresh bunches: Present similarly sized spears together for market stalls, farm shops and vegetable boxes.
The purple florets usually turn green during cooking. This is a normal colour change.
Protecting Your Broccoli Crop
Inspect plants regularly for cabbage white butterfly caterpillars, cabbage moth caterpillars and aphids. Check leaf undersides and developing shoots, where pests can be easily missed.
Install suitable insect exclusion netting over clean seedlings, secure the edges and allow enough space for mature growth. Rotate brassica crops between beds where practical and remove old crop residues after harvesting finishes.
Flowering herbs and other insectary plants can provide habitat for beneficial insects, but companion planting should not replace crop inspections or effective pest management.
Growing Purple Sprouting Broccoli in Pots
Purple Sprouting can be grown in a large container, although its size and long growing season make garden beds more practical for larger plantings.
Use one plant per large container with good drainage and quality potting mix. Position in full sun, maintain consistent moisture and provide nutrition throughout the growing period.
Support tall plants where needed and choose a sheltered position to reduce the risk of containers tipping in strong winds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Purple Sprouting Broccoli?
Purple Sprouting is a broccoli variety grown for multiple small purple flowering shoots, harvested with their tender stems and young leaves.
Does Purple Sprouting Broccoli form one large head?
It usually produces a central spear followed by numerous smaller side shoots. The crop is harvested repeatedly rather than as one large head.
How long does Purple Sprouting Broccoli take to harvest?
Timing depends on the strain, sowing date and climate. Traditional overwintering types may take around 6–9 months from sowing; earlier selections can mature sooner.
Does Purple Sprouting Broccoli need cold weather?
Traditional overwintering strains generally need a period of winter cold to initiate spear production. They may produce plenty of leaves but few spears in climates with very mild winters.
Is Purple Sprouting Broccoli frost hardy?
Established plants are winter hardy and tolerate frost. Young seedlings should be hardened before planting out and protected from severe conditions.
How far apart should I plant Purple Sprouting Broccoli?
Allow approximately 45–60 cm between plants. Give mature plants enough room for branching, airflow and harvesting access.
Can I harvest Purple Sprouting Broccoli more than once?
Yes. After the first central spear is picked, plants can continue producing side shoots for further harvests while conditions remain suitable.
Can I eat the stems and leaves?
Yes. Tender stems and young leaves attached to harvested spears are edible. Trim away tough or fibrous portions before cooking.
Why does purple broccoli turn green when cooked?
Heat affects the pigments responsible for the purple colour, revealing the green colour underneath. This is normal.
Why is my Purple Sprouting Broccoli producing leaves but no spears?
The plant may still be immature, or the strain may not have received sufficient winter cold. Sowing time and local growing conditions also affect spear development.
Is Purple Sprouting Broccoli suitable for market gardens?
It can suit growers supplying seasonal bunches and vegetable boxes. Allow for its long time in the ground and repeated picking, and trial its performance in your local climate.
Where can I buy Purple Sprouting Broccoli seeds in Australia?
Seedmart supplies Purple Sprouting Broccoli seeds for Australian market gardeners, commercial growers and home vegetable gardens.
Learn More About Growing Broccoli
Read our Complete Guide to Growing Broccoli Varieties in Australia for more information on selecting broccoli varieties and planning your crop.
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