Purple Sprouting Broccoli is a very rewarding cool-season crop that produces an abundance of flavorful purple shoots from an autumn planting, with harvests starting as early as April. This overwintering variety is renowned for its sweet, slightly nutty flavor. It is cultivated not only for its tender young shoots but also for its edible leaves and attractive yellow flowers that appear in early summer. It is a versatile vegetable that helps fill the spring gap, when fresh garden vegetables are scarce.

Where to Grow Purple Sprouting Broccoli
It grows well in zones 3 to 9, especially when sown in autumn and overwintered. It prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It is ideal for garden beds with good air circulation and some protection from winter winds.

History and Traditional Uses
Originally developed in the United Kingdom for cool, maritime climates, purple sprouting broccoli has long been valued as a reliable early spring vegetable. Its hardiness and productivity have made it a staple in Northern European gardens, and now also in coastal regions of Canada. All parts of the plant are edible and nutritious, rich in vitamins C and K.

Information for Canadian Zones
Zones 8-9: Sow outdoors in August for a spring harvest.
Zones 5-7: Start indoors in mid-summer and transplant in early autumn. Protect with mulch during winter.
Zones 3-4: Successful overwintering may vary; grow under protection or as a spring crop.

How to Grow and Harvest Purple Sprouting Broccoli

Planting: Start seeds in mid-summer, 0.5 to 1 cm (¼ to ½ in) deep. Transplant seedlings, spacing them 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in) apart.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during establishment in the fall.

Harvesting: Begin harvesting purple shoots in early spring. Leaves can be harvested at any time as needed.

Maintenance: Mulch in late autumn to protect roots. Remove yellowing leaves and add winter protection if necessary.

Tips for Harvesting Seeds for Future Supply

Allow to go to seed in the second year: Broccoli flowers and produces seeds in its second year of growth.

Harvest dry pods: When the pods turn completely brown and dry, harvest them before they open.

Cleaning and storage: Remove debris and store seeds in a dry, cool place.

Longevity: Seeds remain viable for 4 to 5 years if properly stored.

Certified organic by
Islands Organic Producers Association (Certificate #1962)