BROCCOLI ‘PURPLE SPROUTING’ Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
- Traditional heirloom broccoli producing an abundance of small purple florets.
- Extremely hardy – thrives in cool and frosty conditions across Australia.
- Extended cropping season with multiple harvests from late winter into spring.
- Excellent flavour – tender spears ideal for steaming, stir-fries, or roasting.
- Highly nutritious, rich in vitamins A, C, and K plus antioxidants.
Broccoli ‘Purple Sprouting’ is a popular winter-hardy variety that brings vibrant colour and exceptional flavour to the garden. Unlike heading broccoli, this variety produces many small, tender purple spears that can be picked regularly for weeks. Perfect for gardeners seeking reliable harvests during the cooler months. For more advice on selecting the best type for your climate, visit our Complete Guide to Growing Broccoli Varieties in Australia.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Biennial grown as an annual
- Mature Height: 60 – 90 cm
- Frost Hardy: Yes – thrives in winter and early spring
Sowing Information
| Climate Zone | Best Sowing Time |
|---|---|
| Temperate | February – April |
| Subtropical | March – April |
| Tropical | Not recommended – prefers cooler climates |
| Cool | January – March |
| Arid | February – April |
- Germination: 7 – 14 days
- Sowing Depth: 0.5 – 1 cm
- Spacing: 30 – 45 cm between plants
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost
Growing Tips
- Best grown as a winter crop – frost enhances flavour and spear colour.
- Apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser every 3–4 weeks for steady growth.
- Mulch well to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest regularly to encourage new side shoots and prolonged cropping.
- Protect young seedlings with netting against cabbage moth caterpillars.
Harvest
Harvest from 120 – 160 days after sowing. Cut spears when small and tender; frequent picking encourages more shoots for a continuous supply.
Companion Planting
Broccoli Purple Sprouting benefits greatly from companion plants that boost growth, deter pests naturally, and improve overall garden health. Strategic planting creates a supportive ecosystem, maximising crop performance and flavour.
- Sage: An aromatic herb that repels cabbage moths, aphids and flea beetles. Sage’s scent masks broccoli, reducing pest attraction while encouraging beneficial insects and pollinators to the garden.
- Nasturtium: Acts as a trap crop, drawing aphids and whiteflies away from broccoli. Its low-growing habit shades soil, conserves moisture, and improves soil structure through natural nutrient cycling.
- Additional Companions: Chamomile, dill, onions, celery and marigold support pest control, enhance pollination and promote healthy, vigorous growth when planted alongside broccoli.
Using sage and nasturtium together with Broccoli Purple Sprouting creates a productive, low-maintenance planting system. This combination improves soil fertility, reduces pest damage, and fosters steady, healthy development throughout the growing season, resulting in larger, more robust heads and a reliable harvest.