MONTY’S PLANT OF THE WEEK

PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI

Although it’s a seasonal delicacy that begins about now and only lasts for another five weeks or so, for that brief time purple sprouting broccoli is a delicious treat. It is slow to grow and although the florets are small – best picked when no bigger than a walnut – the plant is very large and takes up a lot of space. It continues to do so for a considerable period due to its long growing time – purple-sprouting should be sown in March and planted out in May. However, it is unquestionably worth every inch of space and week of time.