Heirloom
Purple Crush Cauliflower is a striking purple cultivar that matures in 75 to 80 days, delivering deep purple heads that stand out in the garden and on the plate. Unlike standard white cauliflower, this variety's outer wrapper leaves naturally shield the developing heads from sun discoloration, making it more forgiving for gardeners new to cauliflower growing. Plant in full sun with 18 inches of spacing, and you'll harvest tender, nutrient-dense florets ready for raw salads, dips, or gentle steaming.
Full Sun
Moderate
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?in H x ?in W
Perennial
High
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What sets Purple Crush apart is its built-in sun protection, those outer leaves work as nature's sunscreen, keeping heads pristine without extra labor. The deep purple color signals both visual appeal and antioxidant density. It reaches maturity in less than three months, fitting neatly into spring and fall growing windows. The florets break down beautifully for both raw and cooked preparations, making it genuinely versatile in the kitchen.
Purple Crush shines both raw and cooked. Toss florets into salads for color and crunch, serve with dips as a vibrant appetizer, or lightly steam them for a tender side dish. The purple heads are striking enough that many gardeners grow this variety as much for its visual impact on the table as for its culinary applications.
Start seeds indoors 4 to 5 weeks before your last expected frost. Sow seeds 1 inch apart in seed starting mix and cover with 1/4 inch of soil. Keep moist but not waterlogged, and provide strong light until seedlings are ready to transplant. Once seedlings have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves, acclimate them to outdoor conditions gradually before transplanting.
Transplant seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart into rich, well-drained soil in full sun when they've been hardened off. In mild winter climates, you can also sow seeds again in mid-summer for a fall crop.
Harvest Purple Crush heads promptly when they are fully filled out and the purple color is deep and even. Check regularly during the 75 to 80 day window, heads mature within a narrow timeframe and quality declines if left too long on the plant. Cut the main head with a sharp knife, leaving the plant in the ground; some varieties will produce smaller secondary heads if conditions remain favorable.
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