Broccoli Purple Rain F1 Hybrid.  This tasty purple sprouting Broccoli ‘Purple Rain’ F1 Hybrid is British bred and requires no vernalisation (winter chill) to produce a delicious crop through the summer and well into autumn. Easy to grow, continuous cropping and exceptionally rewarding, this resilient brassica is a great addition to the plot or allotment, providing months of well-flavoured and nutritious spears which go well as a healthy side to a wide range of dishes. Pick and use the spears regularly to encourage fresh flushes. Good heat tolerance makes this a reliable variety to enjoy through the summer months.

Height: 90cm (35in). Spread: 60cm (24”).

Sow
March – June

Harvest
July – November

How to sow
Sow thinly 6mm (1?4in) deep in a seed tray of good quality seed compost and lightly cover with a sprinkling of vermiculite. Place tray in a propagator at 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination which usually takes 4-7 days. Transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow on until plants have 2-3 true leaves.

Alternatively, sow sprouting broccoli seeds in a well-prepared seed bed from March to June at a depth of 13mm (1/2″) and spaced 30cm (12″) 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 (24″) apart, and cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.