Cauliflower Purple Sicily ( Brassica oleracea ) is an old Italian heirloom variety, that has been handed down for generations. It is still a popular choice in the veggie patch today; and there are loads of good reasons why. When this variety is compared to others it competes well; it is easier to grow; has a wonderful mild flavour; is more insect resistant and is highly nutritious. I mean; what’s not to love?
All cauliflowers are full of nutrients and have loads of health benefits; they are a source of vitamin K, calcium, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, folate, dietary fibre and potassium among other nutritional bonuses. They also have health benefits for circulation, digestion, strong bones, brain health and as a cancer fighting food!
For another variety of Cauliflower check out our pages on Snowball and All Year.
Growth
This plant can grow up to 50 cm’s tall and should be spaced 45 cm apart in the garden. Moist; nutrient rich; well-draining soil is necessary for good head development. An organic chicken manure can be a great additive for your soil. Cauliflowers can be sensitive to boron deficiencies and prefer slightly acidic-neutral, this can be amended by adding agricultural lime.
This variety is ready to harvest between 110-130 days dependent on conditions, a mature Purple Sicily Cauliflower can weigh between 1 to 1.3 kilograms. The colour changes from purple to green when it is cooked. Other names used for this type are Violet Queen, Purple of Sicily, or Sicilian Violet.
Cauliflower can be grown in containers / pots.
We always recommend that you grow your food organically, so when fertilising or trying to keep pests under control; keep in mind that there are organic options. Your body and family will thank you!
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Brassicaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0 to 32°C / 50 to 90°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining. Cauliflowers grow best in compost rich soils with chicken manure & some agricultural lime, they are heavy feeders.
LOCATION:
Full sun will tolerate some shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 50 cm’s (1.5 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 50 cm’s (1.5 foot)
pH:
6.0-6.8
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual for Harvest, Biennial for Seed
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees; required to produce seed.
MATURITY:
Average 110-130 days
GERMINATION RATES:
93%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 10-23°C / 50-75°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 380
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT BRASSICA OLERACEA (Cauliflower)
Cauliflowers are part of the Brassica Genus and are related to cabbage; turnips; broccoli and brussels sprout.
Cauliflowers were introduced to Europe in the 15th century from the Mediterranean regions.
For use all year round, cauliflower can be frozen.
