Broccoli Purple Sprouting – MIg

Description

Purple Sprouting Broccoli is a classic heirloom variety prized for its tender purple florets, sweet, nutty flavor, and long harvesting season. After the central stem is harvested, the plant continues producing numerous side shoots for weeks, providing an extended harvest. It is ideal for steaming, roasting, stir-fries, soups, and fresh dishes, and performs exceptionally well during the UAE’s cool growing season.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Indoors: Start seeds indoors in July.
• Outdoors: Transplant seedlings or direct sow from October through January, when temperatures are cool.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Plant in full sun in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep. Germination typically occurs within 5–10 days.
• Spacing: Space plants 45–60 cm apart, with 60–75 cm between rows.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during head and shoot development, while avoiding waterlogged conditions.
• Feeding: Apply compost before planting and feed with a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks. Increase nitrogen during early growth to encourage healthy foliage.
• Harvest: Begin harvesting the central head in approximately 80–100 days, followed by the tender side shoots over the following weeks.
• Harvesting Tips: Cut the central head first to encourage abundant side shoot production. Harvest side shoots regularly while the flower buds remain tightly closed.