Species
Brassica oleraceaWild Cabbage12 other cultivars
‘Vates Champion’Vates Champion Collard Greens
‘Veronica’Romanesco Cauliflower 'Veronica'
‘Darkibor’Darkibor Kale
‘Richmond's Pride’Ornamental Kale
‘Caraflex’Caraflex cabbage
‘Pixie’Pixie Cabbage
‘Terek’Terek Kale
‘Mix’Ornamental Kale Mix
‘Fioretto’Fioretto Sprouting Cauliflower
‘Dinosaur’Lacinato Kale
‘Ruby Ball’Ruby Ball Cabbage
‘Red Russian’Red Russian Kale
The Story
Plant Bio
A type of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea, Botrytis group) known for its vibrant purple head.
Produces a striking, deep purple head that retains its color when cooked. The head is tender with a mild, sweet flavor.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
24 inches
Width
28 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Consistent moisture
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
Europe and Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Mid-spring – Late spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds ¼ inch deep into moist soil in early spring.
- Maintain consistent watering to keep soil evenly moist.
- Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart once established.
- Fertilize with a balanced vegetable garden fertilizer every 4 weeks.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest when heads are firm and compact, usually 70-85 days after planting.
Pro Tip
Use row covers to protect young plants from pests and cold snaps.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Fertilize every 4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t crowd plants to ensure good airflow
- Refrain from using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in growth
- Do not ignore pest signs early
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Purple Cauliflower questions
What zones can Purple Cauliflower grow in?
Purple Cauliflower is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Purple Cauliflower deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Purple Cauliflower, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Purple Cauliflower bloom?
Purple Cauliflower typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Purple Cauliflower need full sun?
Purple Cauliflower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Brassica to compare
Chinese Cabbage
Brassica rapa 'Chinese Cabbage'
Osaka Purple Mustard
Brassica juncea 'Osaka Purple'
Vates Champion Collard Greens
Brassica oleracea 'Vates Champion'
Purple Top Turnip
Brassica rapa 'Purple Top'
Romanesco Cauliflower 'Veronica'
Brassica oleracea 'Veronica'
Darkibor Kale
Brassica oleracea 'Darkibor'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Purple Cauliflower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.