Summer Purple

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Velvety, deep purple sprouting crowns rise with a jewel-like glow, tender yet richly flavored—an unmistakable sweetness that lingers on the palate.

Summer Purple forms compact, branching heads that stay attractively crisp, with florets that roast to a caramel-kissed depth and shine beautifully in fresh preparations and vibrant sauces. A favorite for gardeners who want a striking, long-season brassica with a color you can’t stop admiring in the bed.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 27th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Summer Purple’s compact, branching crowns carry a sweeter, less harsh brassica bite, so it stays pleasant even when served simply. Roast it hot for caramel-kissed edges, or blanch briefly so the florets keep their crisp snap instead of turning soft and cabbagey.

Best Uses

quick-roast on a hot sheet pan until edges char and tips sweeten
blanch-and-shock for a jewel-toned salad that stays crisp under vinaigrette
steam then toss with brown butter and lemon for a glossy, nutty coating
blend into a silky puree for pasta sauce with a touch of cream or tahini

Flavor Profile

sweet, nutty brassica flavor tender, velvety florets with a crisp snap slight peppery bite roasted caramel-kissed depth

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon brown butter parmesan anchovy tahini

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Brassica oleracea var. italica (purple sprouting broccoli) and how can I control it?

Watch for cabbage white caterpillars and aphids, which can chew leaves and leave sticky residue on tender shoots. Hand-pick caterpillars early, spray affected plants with insecticidal soap for aphids, and exclude butterflies with fine mesh netting from transplanting until harvest. If you see yellowing and a sudden wilting, suspect clubroot (a disease of Brassicas) and remove affected plants—avoid replanting brassicas in that soil for several years.

How often should I water purple sprouting broccoli during the main growth phase?

During the 8–10 week main growth period before harvest, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings in hot spells. Check by digging 2–3 inches down; water again when that depth feels dry, especially after cutting or harvesting new shoots. Mulch helps steady moisture and reduces stress that can slow shoot formation.

How do I know when Brassica oleracea var. italica (summer purple sprouting) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the purple shoots are firm and about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long with tight, compact tops; this is typically around 70 days from sowing/transplanting depending on conditions. Start cutting from the lowest, thicker shoots first, using a sharp knife to take the shoot with a short stem, and you’ll often get additional shoots for a period afterward. Stop harvest before the buds open into visible yellow flowers, since that turns the shoots tough and bitter.