SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Red Arrow

Broccoli
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Red Arrow to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Red Arrow
70d to harvest

Tender, sky-bright sprouting florets arrive in a steady cascade—cool-season sweetness with a crisp, succulent bite and a delicately nutty edge. Red Arrow’s compact heads hold their color beautifully, then continue producing flavorful side shoots for weeks, making it a joy to harvest repeatedly. Ideal for fresh sprout-forward salads, quick sauté-style skillet work, and vibrant steaming or stir-fries, with florets that stay pleasantly firm and never turn mushy.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 45°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

For the longest spears and best color, keep transplants consistently cool and harvest spears early (don’t let them flower).

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsDec 10th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity70
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitRosette
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)40
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)30
Harden Off (days)6

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Red Arrow in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Red Arrow.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Brassica oleracea var. italica (Purple Sprouting) and what should I do?
Purple sprouting brassicas are commonly hit by cabbage moth caterpillars and cabbage root fly; both can be hard to spot early. Check weekly and hand-remove caterpillars, and keep a fine insect netting over plants from when shoots appear until harvest. If you see wilting or a stunted base, re-check for root fly damage and remove severely affected plants to limit spread.
How often should I water Brassica oleracea var. italica during the main growing phase?
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially as side shoots develop over the 60–70 day run. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week depending on weather, aiming to wet the root zone; if the top 1 inch of soil dries out, it’s time to water again. Mulch helps stabilize moisture so the spears don’t become tough or uneven.
How can I tell when my Purple Sprouting (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is ready to harvest?
Harvest when the spears are firm and reach usable size, with tight, compact heads—typically starting around day 70 and continuing as new shoots form. Cut spears cleanly at the base with a sharp knife, then leave the crown intact so additional side shoots can develop for later harvests. Stop harvesting when spears start to loosen or flower buds become visible.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 45°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

For the longest spears and best color, keep transplants consistently cool and harvest spears early (don’t let them flower).

Botanical illustration of Red Arrow

Tender, sky-bright sprouting florets arrive in a steady cascade—cool-season sweetness with a crisp, succulent bite and a delicately nutty edge. Red Arrow’s compact heads hold their color beautifully, then continue producing flavorful side shoots for weeks, making it a joy to harvest repeatedly. Ideal for fresh sprout-forward salads, quick sauté-style skillet work, and vibrant steaming or stir-fries, with florets that stay pleasantly firm and never turn mushy.