Early Purple Sprouting Broccoli Heirloom Seeds

Early Purple Sprouting broccoli grows purple shoots for the cooking pot. This is a long-season broccoli, often planted to overwinter for a spring harvest.

Packet: 50 seeds

Planting at a glance

• Season: Cool season
• Start: Start indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting
• Seed depth: ¼–½ inch
• Germination: Usually 4–7 days around 65–70°F
• Final spacing: Allow about 24 inches for large, overwintered plants
• Light: Full sun
• Harvest planning: An overwintering crop: spring/early-summer sowing commonly gives spears in late winter or the following spring

When to plant

Traditional Early Purple Sprouting needs a long season and a suitable cool winter. Sow in spring or early summer for an overwintered crop where winters allow it. Warm-winter regions may not provide reliable flowering conditions.

How to plant

1. Prepare loose, well-drained soil or a clean seed-starting mix. Start indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting.
2. Sow ¼–½ inch deep. Keep the seedbed evenly moist until seedlings emerge. Then water when the soil needs it, allowing excess water to drain.
3. Thin or transplant to the listed final spacing. Give seedlings sufficient light and check moisture as roots establish.

How to harvest

Cut tender purple spears while the buds are tight, then check for additional side shoots.

Aunt E’s tip: Plan the occupied bed through winter before you sow; this is not a quick heading broccoli.