Broccoli 'Purple Sprouting'

Plant Purple Sprouting Broccoli in a sunny position in fertile, firm, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Before planting, remove weeds and incorporate plenty of well-rotted garden compost or manure to improve the soil.

Brassicas have shallow, spreading roots, so correct spacing is important. Plant around 45–60cm apart with 60–75cm between rows, firming the soil well around each plant to encourage strong establishment and sturdy growth.

Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly while plants are establishing and developing their crop. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, and apply a balanced vegetable fertiliser if required.

Protect young plants with insect-proof mesh or suitable netting to help reduce damage from cabbage white butterflies, cabbage root fly, aphids and pigeons. Keep the growing area weed free and check plants regularly throughout the season.

Good Companions
Purple Sprouting Broccoli grows well alongside onions, garlic, beetroot and aromatic herbs such as thyme, sage and rosemary. Calendula and nasturtiums are also excellent companions, helping to attract beneficial insects into the vegetable garden.

Plan Your Brassica Bed
Purple Sprouting Broccoli grows well alongside other brassicas, but grouping these crops together makes it easier to protect them with insect-proof mesh and manage crop rotation.

Crop Rotation
Avoid planting brassicas in the same area of the garden year after year. Rotating crops every three to four years helps reduce the build-up of soil-borne diseases, including clubroot, and keeps future crops healthy and productive.

Pick Before the Flowers Open
Harvest the spears while the flower buds are still tightly closed and the stems are tender. Once yellow flowers begin to open, the crop will start to lose its best texture and eating quality.

Take the Central Spear First
Cut the main central spear first with a sharp knife. This encourages plenty of smaller side shoots to develop, extending the harvest over several weeks.

Leave the Plant in the Ground
Don't remove the plant after the first harvest. New spears will continue to form, so keep checking plants and pick little and often while the shoots are young and tender.

Harvest Regularly
Spears can develop quickly once cropping begins, so check plants frequently. Regular picking helps keep the shoots tender and gives you a longer supply of fresh broccoli.

Flavour
Purple Sprouting Broccoli has a sweet, fresh flavour with tender spears that are especially welcome after the colder months.

Best Enjoyed
Steam, stir-fry or roast the spears whole. The tender stems and young leaves are edible too, so very little needs to go to waste.

Storage
For the best flavour and texture, eat as soon as possible after harvesting. If needed, keep freshly picked spears in the fridge for a few days.

Freezing
Purple Sprouting Broccoli freezes well. Blanch the spears for 2–3 minutes, cool quickly in iced water, drain thoroughly and freeze in portions.

Marshalls Garden Tip
Use the whole tender spear rather than cutting off the stalk. The stems are often just as delicious as the florets when harvested young.

Plug Plants
Supplied as healthy young plants with well-developed roots, plug plants are ready to be planted straight into their final growing position or potted on if preferred. Water well on arrival and keep the compost evenly moist while they establish.

Garden Ready Plants
Our Garden Ready plants have been professionally grown on, making them larger, stronger and ready to plant straight into the garden. They establish quickly, giving you a useful head start towards your harvest.

9cm Potted Plants
Supplied in individual 9cm nursery pots, these well-established plants are ready to plant straight into vegetable gardens, raised beds or allotments. Simply plant, water thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist while they settle in.

Upon Arrival
Remove your plants from their packaging as soon as they arrive and give them a thorough watering. If you can't plant them immediately, keep them in a cool, sheltered spot out of direct sunlight and drying winds, ensuring the compost remains moist until you're ready to plant.