Purple Broccoli
Burgundy Broccoli brings deep red stems and burgundy-tinged heads to your cool-season garden, thriving in zones 9-10 where other broccoli varieties might struggle. This striking heirloom reaches 36-48 inches tall and produces substantial heads ready to harvest in 68-75 days. The dramatic coloration makes it as ornamental as it is edible, perfect for gardeners who want their vegetables to double as garden showpieces.
Full Sun
High
9-10
48in H x 24in W
Annual
Moderate
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This heirloom broccoli transforms the typical green garden with its stunning burgundy stems and reddish-purple florets that create a dramatic contrast against traditional vegetables. Growing 3-4 feet tall with a generous 24-inch spread, it produces substantial 3-5 inch heads that are both beautiful and nutritious. The variety excels in warmer zones where traditional broccoli often bolts, making it invaluable for southern and coastal gardeners seeking reliable cool-season harvests.
Burgundy Broccoli serves all the traditional culinary roles of standard broccoli while adding visual drama to dishes. The deep-colored florets and stems maintain their nutritional value while providing a striking presentation in stir-fries, roasted vegetable medleys, and fresh salads. Both the substantial heads and tender stems are fully edible, offering gardeners a dual harvest from this ornamental variety.
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your average last frost date. Seeds require soil temperatures of exactly 40°F for germination, ideally warming to 60-85°F for optimal growth. Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep in seed-starting mix.
Transplant seedlings 1-2 weeks before your average last frost date when soil temperature reaches at least 40°F. Space transplants 24 inches apart in rows spaced 24 inches apart to accommodate their substantial mature size.
Direct sow seeds 4-6 weeks before your average last frost date when soil temperature reaches at least 40°F. In mild climates zones 9-10, sow in fall or winter for cool-season harvest.
Harvest Burgundy Broccoli heads when they reach 3-5 inches across and the florets are tight and dense, typically 68-75 days from transplanting (though some sources report harvest as early as 50-60 days). Cut the main head with a sharp, clean knife, removing at least 6 inches of stem and cutting at an angle to prevent water from pooling. Continue harvesting side shoots regularly to encourage continued production throughout the growing season.
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