Red Arrow

Broccoli

Zone 8b Save Garden

🌱 70d to harvest Rosette

Tender, sky-bright sprouting florets arrive in a steady cascade—cool-season sweetness with a crisp, succulent bite and a delicate…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 23rd
Last Frost	Mar 23rd
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 16th
Harvest Begins	May 25th
Harvest Ends	Nov 12th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	40
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

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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.

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

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 30°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 6 days first.

Expert Note

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