Mr Fothergill's Broccoli (Sprouting) Early Purple Seeds, Easy to grow, spring cropping favourite. Cut the shoots when 15cm long. Harvest regularly to encourage further shoots. 100g of broccoli provides the daily requirement of vitamin C.

Sow outdoors thinly in a seed bed, 1.5cm deep directly into finely prepared soil which has already been watered. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Water well until plants are established. Transplant 60cm apart when plants are about 10cm tall. Allow 60cm between rows. Plant firmly and keep well watered. Or sow indoors 0.5cm deep, in a tray of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Keep moist. Transplant 5cm apart to other trays when large enough to handle. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out. Cut the shoots when 15cm long. Harvest regularly to encourage further shoots.

• One of spring’s great tasting treats, and very nutritious
• A gourmet vegetable, hardy and easy to grow
• Excellent source of vitamins C and A, and antioxidants

Sow time: Mar-May
Flowering/Harvesting time: Feb-May