Purple Sicily Cauliflower Seeds (Brassica oleracea botrytis)

Single Packet of 100 Seeds

Purple Sicily Cauliflower grows in the cooler seasons as a biennial cruciferous vegetable. By its scientific name, Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, it is known to belong to the plant order Capparales. Unlike white cauliflower, this cauliflower's color comes from the antioxidant anthocyanin, which is also present in red cabbage.

These are a culinary delight, and the heads cook to bright green. While the insect-resistant varieties tend to be easier to grow than many white varieties; all varieteies are rich in minerals and look beautiful in any vegetable garden bed. These crops  display lush violet shades on the outside florets, but stems remain mundane at the core of the vegetable, retaining a cream color.

Although one wouldn't know by the color, Purple Sicily is a treat to eat and all parts (floret, stalk and leaves) are edible. While the stems and trunk are harder, the florets have a unique flavor. Overall, this cauliflower has a flavor that is  milder, sweeter, nuttier and less bitter than that of the white cauliflower.

Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C. It only takes about a half cup of florets to get nearly half of the daily requirement for vitamin C intake. It also packs a fair nutritional punch on the side of fiber, vitamin A, calcium and potassium in addition to many other minerals. These all work with Vitamin C to boost the immune system. As a cruciferous vegetable, there are also high levels of cancer-fighting phytochemical's know as glucosinolates made bio available within this plant.

Sowing The Seed

Cauliflower is a cool weather crop that can be started indoors, or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow in starter pots, 4 to 6 weeks prior to the last frost. If started outdoors in the Spring, sow just before the last frost, or in mid-summer, for a fall harvest. Till your sowing area, removing all unwanted plant life and weeds. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/4” under, in rows measured about 10’ long.

Growing Conditions

Cauliflower will grow in an area that receives full sunlight for at least 6 hours daily. The plants will bolt and go to seed if temperatures are too high. the soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter, but also well drained. To improve drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil. Water daily to ensure that the seeds receive enough moisture to germinate properly.

Germination & Growth

Cauliflower seeds typically germinate within 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will grow to about 2 feet tall, spreading about 12 inches wide. They can be spaced 24 inches apart from one another, in rows spaced 24 inches apart. Purple of Sicily will produce 2 or 3 pound heads, in a purple coloring. The curds are loaded with minerals and have a sweet, delicious, refined flavor. Harvest in roughly 90 days.

Harvesting Purple Cauliflower

Your Purple Sicily Cauliflower crops will be ready for harvesting in about 90 days, when the florets turn a reddish purple color. Simply cut the crops at the base and store in the fridge, or enjoy raw.