Purple Cauliflower Seeds VIOLET OF SICILY
Purple Cauliflower Seeds
Price for Package of 20 seeds.
Purple Cauliflower Seeds
Price for Package of 20 seeds.
Purple cauliflower displays vibrant violet hues on the outside florets, however, the stem and core of the vegetable retain a cream color. The entire plant (floret, stalk and leaves) is edible. The stems and trunk are firm and tender and the florets have a dense yet soft and crumbly texture. It's flavor is milder, sweeter, nuttier and free of the bitterness sometimes found in White cauliflower.
Seasons/Availability
Purple cauliflower is available year-round with a peak season during the winter months.
Current Facts
Purple cauliflower is a cool-season biennial cruciferous vegetable, botanical name Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, belonging to the plant order Capparales. Purple cauliflower's color is due to the presence of the antioxidant anthocyanin, which can also be found in red cabbage and red wine. Purple cauliflower also goes by the variety names Sicilian Violet, Violet Queen and Grafitti cauliflower.
Nutritional Value
Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C with a half cup of florets providing nearly half of ones daily requirement for vitamin C. It also provides a fair amount of fiber, vitamin A, folate, calcium and potassium as well as selenium, which works with Vitamin C to boost the immune system. Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower are known for their high levels of cancer-fighting phytochemicals know as glucosinolates.
Applications
Purple cauliflower can be chopped in to individual florets and eaten raw, or roasted and paired with additional flavors such as garlic or balsamic vinegar. The vibrant color is a nice visual counterpoint for green hued vegetables like green beans, peas or broccoli. Blend steamed cauliflower with beans for a unique spread for toast or crackers. Use within a few days of purchase for best color and texture.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Cauliflower was brought to England by Flemish weavers in the mid-1600s and later became the rage of the French court, where Louis XV's mistress, Comtesse du Barry had a consomme of veal, oxtails and cauliflower named for her. In the modern era, cauliflower fell into a period of obscurity, languishing upon crudite trays and within obvious soups and gratins. Its renaissance can be attributed to the discovery of colorful varieties, such as the purple Graffiti and purple Cape.
Geography/History
Purple cauliflower is a heritage variety that comes from either Italy or South Africa. Its true wild origin is not quite known, though its color is naturally occurring and is not due to scientific manipulation.
Data sheet
- Handpicked seeds ?
- Handpicked seeds
- HEIRLOOM ?
- Yes
- Organic Seeds ?
- Organic Seeds
- Organic/natural ?
- Organic/Natural: Yes
- Edible ?
- Edible
- Sowing depth ?
- Sowing depth 5 mm
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial plant : Yes
- Medicinal Plant ?
- Medicinal Plant: Yes
- Scientific name:
- Brassica oleracea
CAULIFLOWER from seed
CAULIFLOWER |
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SEED DEPTH |
SOIL TEMP. FOR GERMINATION |
DAYS TO GERMINATION |
SUNLIGHT REQUIREMENTS |
PLANTING TIME |
0.6 TO 1.27 cm |
21 C TO 29 C |
5 TO 10 DAYS |
PARTIAL SHADE / FULL SUN |
SPRING/FALL |
USDA HARDINESS |
SEED SPACING |
ROW SPACING |
SPACE AFTER THINNING |
DAYS TO HARVEST |
N/A |
2.5 cm |
90 cm |
60 cm |
60 - 90 DAYS |
Cauliflower Seed Planting Information:
Cauliflower will not grow well where temperatures average above 75 F or where winter temperatures drop below 25 F. Poor cauliflower is usually a result of improper planting time, low moisture or low fertility. Plant your seeds indoors, 5 to 7 weeks before setting outside. Spring planting should occur as soon as soil can be worked, and fall planting is done around July or August. Plants can grow 12" tall.
Harvest Tips:
Cut heads below the inner leaves when the heads or about 8" in diameter.
Soil Requirements:
Requires fertile soil with compost and some lime. Apply much and grass clippings, or straw around base of the plant.
Water Requirements:
Water regularly to keep the soil cool and moist. Keep watered during dry and hot spells.