I saw Purple Sprouting Broccoli on Johnny's seeds website, but didn't get any because the price was high. Then I found some one the sample seed shop and decided to get some seed since the cost was reasonable.
How does it grow? Is it treated any differently than regular broccoli? How should I space it in the garden? I'm trying to figure out how to space it, etc.
Thanks for any info!
How to Grow Purple Sprouting Broccoli
Santee is a new hybrid, but the open pollinated purple sprouting broccoli has been around for over a century. Long season and huge plant. gets about 4 ft tall and 3 feet wide. Like all sprouting broccoli, It does not head but produces florets in profusion. Similar to side shoots on regular broccoli. In cool places with mild winters ( England) it is grown over winter. In the USA conditions and season similar to Brussell's Sprouts. http://www.google.com/search?q=broccoli+purple+sprouting&hl=en&sa=X&prmd=imvnse&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=06aAT7DSOcXdtgfwk4m2Bg&ved=0CF8QsAQ&biw=1440&bih=785 It also comes in Green Sprouting broccoli http://www.americanmeadows.com/vegetables-seeds/broccoli-seeds/green-sprouting-broccoli-seeds Also in White http://www.thompson-morgan.com/vegetables/vegetable-seeds/brassica-and-leafy-green-seeds/broccoli-early-white-sprouting-white-eye/43TM
I bet purple sprouting broccoli has more anthocyanins than the green kind. I'll have to try growing some this winter.
Quote from HoneybeeNC :
I bet purple sprouting broccoli has more anthocyanins than the green kind. I'll have to try growing some this winter.
Does it keep the purple color on cooking? A lot of purple vegetables revert to green when they are cooked. I can't find any specific info on Santee.
-Rich
Turns green when cooked.
It looks very pretty in the pictures. I'm not sure where I will put it if it gets that big. In my googling I've read that is very tasty, but lots of plant with not much to harvest. Also conflicting information as to how to grow it. Some say direct seed. Some say start indoors.
Like broccoli and Brussels Sprouts it it is best transplanted. It does require a 3 ft spacing. Taste like side shoots on regular broccoli.