How to Grow Red Sprouting Broccoli

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Red Sprouting Broccoli

Brassica oleracea var. italica

vegetable

Red Sprouting Broccoli is a cold-hardy brassica that produces deep purple-red flower heads and tender side shoots when mature. Unlike standard green broccoli, it develops vibrant crimson florets and offers a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor. This heirloom variety is particularly well-suited to autumn and winter growing in temperate climates.

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Example Red Sprouting Broccoli timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Red Sprouting Broccoli
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Red Sprouting Broccoli
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Sprouting Broccoli dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum

💧

Water: Consistent moisture of 1-1.5 inches per week; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal. Reduce watering slightly in cool autumn/winter months.

📏

Spacing: 18 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 60-100 days

🌱

Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches for seeds; transplants at same depth as nursery pot

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or well-rotted manure Balanced NPK fertilizer Calcium (lime if pH is below 6.0) Organic matter for moisture retention

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9; best grown as a fall/winter crop in zones 6-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Cotyledons and first true leaves emerge; plant develops 2-4 small leaves within 1-2 weeks.

Keep soil warm (65-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent legginess. Thin crowded seedlings or transplant to individual pots.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops 6-8 large blue-green leaves and a sturdy central stem; root system expands rapidly.

Ensure consistent watering and apply balanced fertilizer every 3 weeks. Mulch around base to retain moisture and keep soil cool. Monitor for pests, especially flea beetles and cabbage moths.

Head Development

3-4 weeks

Central head forms as a dense cluster of tiny purple-red florets at stem tip; buds tighten and deepen in color.

Continue consistent watering and switch to nitrogen-rich fertilizer to support floret expansion. Cooler temperatures (50-65°F) intensify red color development. Remove any yellowing outer leaves.

Harvest-Ready & Side Shoot Production

4-8 weeks post-main-harvest

Central head reaches full size with deep crimson color; after harvest, numerous smaller side shoots emerge along the stem over several weeks.

Harvest the main head when firm and buds are tightly closed. Continue watering and fertilizing to encourage abundant side shoot production. Side shoots will continue to develop for 4-8 weeks after main harvest.

Late Harvest & Season End

Variable; until frost or natural decline

Side shoots reach harvestable size; stems may become tougher as temperatures drop further or plant exhausts reserves.

Harvest shoots regularly to encourage more production. In very cold zones, protection with row covers extends harvest into early winter. Stop fertilizing as temperatures drop below 40°F.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beets Celery Chamomile Dill Garlic Lettuce Marigolds Nasturtiums Onions Potatoes Thyme

Avoid planting near:

Broccoli (other brassicas) Cabbage Cauliflower Fennel Kale Kohlrabi Mustard Tomatoes

Common Pests

Use fine mesh row covers from planting through early growth. Hand-pick caterpillars. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad if infestation occurs.
Install row covers over seedlings immediately after planting. Use neem oil or spinosad. Ensure consistent watering to help plants tolerate damage.
Use exclusion netting or fine mesh row covers. Hand-pick yellow egg clusters from leaf undersides. Apply Bt at first sign of small caterpillars.
Spray strong water stream to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly if needed. Introduce yellow sticky traps to monitor populations.
Practice crop rotation (3-4 year gap between brassicas). Maintain soil pH above 6.8. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately. Sterilize tools.
Spray with strong water or insecticidal soap. Release beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Use neem oil for heavy infestations.

Uses

🍳

Fresh cooking and steaming

Culinary

Red sprouting broccoli's tender florets and side shoots offer a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor than standard broccoli. Excellent lightly steamed, roasted, or eaten raw in salads. [source]

🍳

Stir-fries and quick cooking

Culinary

The smaller, more tender side shoots cook quickly and are ideal for Asian-inspired dishes. The vibrant red color adds visual appeal to any dish. [source]

💊

Nutritional and cancer-preventive benefits

Medicinal

Rich in sulforaphane, a compound with potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. High in vitamins C, K, and folate; supports immune and bone health. [source]

🏠

Decorative garden and kitchen display

Household

The striking red-purple florets make red sprouting broccoli an ornamental addition to vegetable gardens and harvest displays. The deep color is visually appealing in kitchen presentations. [source]

🦋

Pollinator and beneficial insect attraction

Wildlife

If left to flower, red sprouting broccoli blooms attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. The flowers also support late-season pollinators in autumn gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest the main central head when it is firm, fully colored (deep red-purple), and buds are tightly closed—typically 60-100 days after planting depending on variety and temperature. Cut with a sharp knife about 1-2 inches below the head. After main head removal, numerous side shoots will develop along the remaining stem; harvest these individually as they reach 4-6 inches long and before buds open. Continue harvesting side shoots for 4-8 weeks or until frost. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and moisture content. Red sprouting broccoli improves in flavor after a light frost due to increased sugar concentration.

Fun Facts

🌱 Red Sprouting Broccoli is an heirloom variety that has been grown in Italy for centuries and nearly disappeared from cultivation before being revived by seed savers and specialty growers in recent decades.
🌱 The deep red-purple color develops more intensely in cooler weather, making autumn and early winter the ideal harvest season in temperate climates; the plant's flavor also improves after a light frost as starches convert to sugars.
🌱 A single plant can produce 10-20 or more side shoots after the main head is harvested, making it one of the most productive brassicas for extended harvests compared to standard single-head broccoli varieties.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Heirloom Mulch Row Cover Transplant True Leaves

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