Broccoli (Purple) Growing Guide

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Crop Rotation Group

Brassicas (Cabbage family) ●

Soil

Rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost dug in.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Yes.

Feeding

Not required if good soil.

Spacing

Single Plants: 60cm (1' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 60cm (1' 11") with 60cm (1' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow mid to late spring, either direct into soil or in pots to plant out later if clubroot disease is a problem in your soil. Firm down well when planting out. For green summer broccoli, see 'Calabrese'.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Surround stem with a 10cm (4 inch) mat with a slit cut into it for the stem to prevent cabbage root fly from destroying the roots. Use fine mesh or fleece over the summer to prevent butterflies laying eggs on the underside of leaves - caterpillars can destroy these plants. Protect against birds which can damage the young seedlings and overwintering crops. May need supportive canes during the winter.

Harvesting

Harvest the next winter/spring by cutting off the large central head first before it starts to flower. Smaller side shoots should then be produced for harvesting a few weeks later.