Purple Magic Broccoli Seeds

Brassica oleracea 'Purple Magic' Broccoli

Brassica oleracea 'Purple Magic' Broccoli is a groundbreaking, All-America Selections (AAS) winning variety, celebrated as the first broccoli to produce both a stunning deep purple head and a matching purple stem. Growing to about 24 to 30 inches tall with a spread of 15 to 24 inches, this F1 hybrid offers a uniform, single-dome habit similar to traditional green broccoli but with superior flavor and heat tolerance. Unlike purple sprouting varieties that produce loose, small florets, 'Purple Magic' yields a large, tight, high-quality central head, making it a showstopper in the vegetable garden and a gourmet addition to the kitchen. 

Culinary and Practical Uses

• Known for being sweeter and more tender than standard green varieties, it is excellent eaten raw in salads or with dips to preserve its vibrant purple color.
• High in anthocyanins (antioxidants), offering a nutritional boost alongside the traditional vitamins and fiber found in broccoli.
• Can be steamed, roasted, or stir-fried, though cooking may cause the purple hue to fade to a deep green; lightly blanching helps retain some color.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Distinctive blue-green leaves contrast beautifully with the bright purple stems and veins; the plant is ornamental enough for edible landscaping.
• Growth Habit: Upright, sturdy, and uniform; produces a single large central head followed by potential side shoots after the main harvest.
• Flowers: The "head" consists of tightly packed purple flower buds; if left unharvested, they will eventually open into small, four-petaled yellow flowers that attract bees.
• Seeds: Small, round, dark seeds that germinate vigorously; ideal for starting indoors or direct sowing in climates with long cool seasons.

Growing Requirements

• Sun: Thrives in full sun; requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure tight head formation and vibrant coloring.
• Soil: Prefers rich, fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter and a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
• Water: Needs consistent moisture to prevent stress, which can cause bitterness; mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist.
• Spacing: Plant seeds or seedlings 15 to 18 inches apart in rows spaced 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for airflow and full maturity.
• Maintenance: Harvest the main head when the beads are tight and before they loosen or flower; feed with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea during the growing season.

Shipping Info Purple Magic Broccoli seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.