200 seeds. 120 days. Brassica oleracea. Annual.
 
Broccoli 'Early Purple Sprouting' has many small purple crowns with green stalks. After the main stalks are harvested, it develops secondary side shoots. It turns green when cooked. This old heirloom variety was bred in England for overwintering as it can withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. In colder climates, overwinter in a hoop tunnel or a greenhouse. I found out the hard way that deer will nibble on plants that are not protected in the middle of winter.
 
Plants may not produce heads untill the following year as Early Purple Sprouting needs 6 weeks of cool weather to signal flowering. I accidently tricked one of my plants into producing by late summer by planting it in a cool spot in the garden. My plants in full sun overwintered and did not make heads until spring. Try transplanting seedlings outside when the weather cools in late summer for spring harvest. Alternatively, transplant in spring and wait until the next spring for harvest. The plants will be quite large. Experiment and find out what works for you.
 
Height 30 inches. Spacing 16 inches.
 
Sowing Broccoli Seeds: 
 
Sow broccoli seeds 6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant near the last frost date.  Or sow in summer and tranplant in early fall. Plants need 6 weeks of cool weather in order to produce head. Likes to overwinter. Sow 1/4 inch deep. Full sun.