Apart from the different spear colour the leaves are less frilly and blue-green. Creamy white spears which are slightly milder in flavour than the purple and lighter green when cooked. Late February/ March harvest onwards.
WHEN TO SOW
April and May
WHERE TO SOW
Sow the seeds thinly in a well-prepared seed bed 1.5cm (3/4") deep in rows 15cm (6") apart.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
As the seedlings appear, thin to 7cm (3") apart. When they are about 10-15cm (4-6") tall, transplant to the growing site about 60cm (24") apart, planting them 2cm (1") deeper than in the seed bed. Water well.
MATURITY
March to April
HANDY TIP
Pick regularly when the spears are well formed but before the flowers open. Take central spear first to encourage a lot of side shoots.
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Pro-vitamin A, vitamin C, iron & folic acid.