SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Early Purple Sprouting

Broccoli
Zone 13a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Early Purple Sprouting to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Early Purple Sprouting
65d to harvest

Tender, jewel-toned sprouts emerge with a deep violet blush that fades to fresh green as they mature—an unmistakably early harvest with a crisp, sweet bite. Expect compact heads and finely textured florets that stay pleasantly firm, ideal for showcasing their natural flavor in springtime displays. Early Purple Sprouting is a favorite for gardeners who want a reliable, season-starting sprouting broccoli with abundant, harvest-ready growth over time.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsDec 5th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity65
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)45
Min Soil Temp (°F)40
Min Night Temp (°F)30
Harden Off (days)6

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Early Purple Sprouting in Zone 13a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Early Purple Sprouting.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 13a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Recommended Companions

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German White Garlic
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Calypso Onion Onion
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Nantes Scarlet Carrot
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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Brassica oleracea var. italica (early purple sprouting) and how do I control it?
Cabbage aphids and cabbage white caterpillars are common on Brassica oleracea var. italica, and they can rapidly damage young shoots. Inspect under leaf edges weekly and spray with a horticultural soap for aphids; for caterpillars, cover plants with fine netting and remove any visible eggs/larvae by hand. If you see leaf spots with worsening spread, improve airflow and avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal pressure (and remove badly affected leaves).
How can I tell when early purple sprouting is ready to harvest?
Harvest when the purple side-shoots are firm and reach usable size but before they elongate and open into loose florets—typically around 65 days from sowing/transplanting depending on conditions. Cut spears/heads in the morning when they’re turgid, using a sharp knife to take the top growth while leaving the plant to produce additional side shoots. If you see buds separating widely, that’s past prime quality for spears.
Botanical illustration of Early Purple Sprouting

Tender, jewel-toned sprouts emerge with a deep violet blush that fades to fresh green as they mature—an unmistakably early harvest with a crisp, sweet bite. Expect compact heads and finely textured florets that stay pleasantly firm, ideal for showcasing their natural flavor in springtime displays. Early Purple Sprouting is a favorite for gardeners who want a reliable, season-starting sprouting broccoli with abundant, harvest-ready growth over time.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Early Purple Sprouting in Zone 13a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Early Purple Sprouting.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 13a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 40°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

For the earliest tender shoots, give plants plenty of light and consistent moisture after transplanting—purple sprouting styles are sensitive to heat spikes.