Broccoli - Red Spear
This vigorous plant produces a huge crop of top-quality, tasty purple spears.
Sow sprouting broccoli seeds in a well-prepared seed bed from March to June at a depth of 13mm and spaced 30cm apart. Transplant to their final positions around 5 weeks later when the seedlings have four or five leaves. When growing purple sprouting broccoli, choose a sheltered position in firm, rich fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Prepare the soil in early spring by adding plenty of well-rotted farmyard manure to the soil to improve its structure and fertility. Plant purple sprouting broccoli deeply for stability at a distance of 60cm apart, and cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.