Description

A delicious and highly productive variety producing tender purple shoots much earlier than standard types. Supplied as a vigorous young plant, ready to settle into your garden for an abundant, early spring harvest.

Highlights:

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  Harvesting Season: February to April (after overwintering)


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  Final Size: Up to 90cm tall | Spread 60cm


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  Position: Full sun | Moist, fertile, well-drained soil


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  Best Grown In: Open ground, raised beds, large pots


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  Supplied As: Strip

Why We Love It:

‘Early’ Purple Sprouting Broccoli is a real treasure during the hungry gap, producing vibrant and tender spears when little else is ready in the garden. It’s incredibly hardy, easy to grow, and needs very little attention once established. Its sweet, nutty flavour is superb whether steamed, roasted, or eaten raw, making it a must-have for year-round kitchen gardens.

Sowing & Growing Tips:

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  When to Sow: Plant young plants outdoors from May to July for harvest the following early spring


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  Germination Time: (For reference if sowing seeds) 7–14 days at 15–20°C


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  Where to Grow: Open ground, raised beds, large containers with deep soil


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  Care Notes: Firm the soil well when planting and provide protection against pigeons with netting. Water during dry spells and mulch well in autumn to retain soil moisture and protect roots through winter.

The Nunhead Gardener Recommends:

Grow alongside kale and winter spinach for a continuous supply of winter greens. Purple Sprouting Broccoli ‘Early’ is delicious simply steamed with a knob of butter, tossed into stir-fries, or roasted with olive oil and lemon.

Please note:

Images show how this plant may look at various stages of maturity. The size you choose may look different.