How To Grow Purple Sprouting Broccoli from Seed.

Seed Sowing

Seeds can be sown between March and July but if sowing outdoors, it’s advisable not to sow until April. Purple sprouting broccoli is a summer cropping vegetable, which can be started early in a greenhouse during March or sown directly into seed beds during favourable weather conditions.

Sowing in a greenhouse

Seeds can be sown in small pots or modular trays during March. Place 2 seeds into a pot or module of seed compost at 1.5cm deep and lightly cover with sifted compost. Firm the surface and water lightly using a watering can with a rose attachment. After germination, reduce to one seed per unit. Keep the seedlings watered. After 2-3 weeks move the plants to a cold frame to harden off then plant out into prepared beds 7-10 days later.

Sowing Outdoors

If sowing directly into seed beds outdoors, use the edge of a hoe to create a shallow furrow about 2cm deep. Sow 2-3 seeds every 60cm and lightly cover with soil. Gently firm down the surface, using the back of a rake then water with a watering can with a rose attachment. When seedlings appear, reduce to one plant per 60cm. If growing several plants in rows then allow 60cm between rows.

Soil Preparation

All brassicas appreciate a sunny position and well-drained soil. Prepare the soil in late autumn or early winter by incorporating plenty of organic matter. Heavy clay type soils would benefit from the addition of lime and sharp sand to aid drainage. Before sowing seeds, rake the surface soil to a fine, level tilth and then firm with the back of a rake. Sprinkle a granular fertiliser at the rate of 150gm per square metre over the surface and then lightly rake in.

Planting Out

Plants that have been started off under glass and then hardened off can be planted out into their final beds or plots during April. Water the pots or trays about an hour before planting out. Plant out into their permanent positions, 60cm apart and 60cm between rows, using a hand trowel. Ensure the soil is firmed, especially around the base of the plants and then water in.

General After Care

Water young plants regularly to ensure they do not dry out. Plants that dry out are likely to bolt (run to seed). Remove any weeds, which grow between the plants and rows to discourage pests and diseases, and to maintain soil moisture. A mulch of compost, bark or straw would be beneficial in maintaining moisture and could help to discourage cabbage root fly. As plants become established a light sprinkling of general fertiliser every 2-3 weeks will help them develop healthy leaves and florets. Avoid fertilisers that contain high percentages of nitrogen as this will encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of sprouting heads. A liquid vegetable fertiliser applied at every other watering is an alternative.

To prevent birds from pecking the young florets, spread fine plastic netting over the developing plants.

Pests & Diseases

The brassica family can be subject to attack by several pests and diseases including the Cabbage White Butterfly, which lays its eggs on the underside of leaves. The young caterpillars can literally strip a plant bare within just a few days. Check the underside of leaves regularly and remove any eggs before they hatch. Cabbage White Fly is another troublesome pest and again eggs are laid on the underside of leaves and should be removed before adult flies emerge.

Cabbage Root Fly is a more serious pest. The adults lay eggs at the base of seedlings and the emerging grubs burrow down to feast on the roots. The use of nematodes, which hunt down and attack the larvae are a good natural control method. The most common disease is the Club Root fungus, which can affect all members of the cabbage family. Affected plants become stunted and show signs of purple discolouration on their leaves. There is no remedy for this problem except to rotate crops every year.

Harvesting

Cut the purple ‘spears’ from the centre first, when they become well-formed and before the small florets open. Cut the shoots off at an angle, which will allow water to run off. Side shoots will then appear within a few weeks with more sprouting spears, ready for harvesting over the coming 4-6 weeks.