How to grow Purple Sprouting Broccoli in the UK
Brassica oleracea italica
Purple Sprouting Broccoli (Brassica oleracea italica) is a vegetable that grows well in UK gardens. Cherished UK winter crop. Net against pigeons. Long season to harvest but heavy yields. This guide covers when and how to sow Purple Sprouting Broccoli, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
When to sow & grow Purple Sprouting Broccoli
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb Harvest | Mar Harvest | Apr Sow · Harvest | May | Jun | Jul Plant | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Firm, fertile soil — lime if acid
- Soil pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Position
- Open, sunny site
- Sowing depth
- 1.5 cm
- Spacing
- 60 cm apart
- Sowing
- Sow Apr–Jun for cropping the following spring — a long-stay crop
- Growing
- Stake on exposed sites; net from pigeons
- Harvest & upkeep
- Pick spears regularly Feb–Apr to keep them coming
- Watch for
- Cabbage white caterpillars, pigeons, club root
Companion planting for Purple Sprouting Broccoli
Grows well with:
Keep apart from:
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Purple Sprouting Broccoli FAQs
When should I sow Purple Sprouting Broccoli in the UK?
In the UK, sow Purple Sprouting Broccoli in April. Sowing across these months gives the plant the right soil temperature and day length to establish well.
What grows well with Purple Sprouting Broccoli?
Purple Sprouting Broccoli grows well alongside Beetroot, Celery, Dill, French Marigold, Pot Marigold, Mint. Good companions can deter pests, attract pollinators or make better use of space.
What should you not plant near Purple Sprouting Broccoli?
Keep Purple Sprouting Broccoli away from Strawberry, Beef Tomato, Cherry Tomato, which can compete with it or share pests and diseases.
How much sun does Purple Sprouting Broccoli need?
Purple Sprouting Broccoli prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).
When is Purple Sprouting Broccoli ready to harvest?
Purple Sprouting Broccoli is typically ready to harvest in February, March, April in the UK.
Is Purple Sprouting Broccoli easy to grow?
Moderate. Cherished UK winter crop. Net against pigeons. Long season to harvest but heavy yields.