{"product_id":"cauliflower-seeds-purple-of-sicily","title":"Cauliflower Seeds - Purple of Sicily","description":"\u003cp\u003e70-90 Days to maturity. \u003cem\u003eBrassica oleracea\u003c\/em\u003e. Purple of Sicily Cauliflower Vegetable Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom cauliflower. Purple of Sicily is a standout heirloom cauliflower variety that traces its origins back to Sicily. It’s known for its 2-3 lb heads with vibrant purple color, which comes from high levels of anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant. This variety has been grown in the Mediterranean for centuries, prized for its stunning looks, flavor, and adaptability. It can also be known as Sicilian Purple Cauliflower. Its rich purple color fades to green when cooked, but it can be eaten raw to preserve the vibrant hue. ~8,200 seeds\/oz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c!--split--\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.trueleafmarket.com\/pages\/the-vegetable-growing-guide-from-true-leaf-market\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDownload Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!--attr--\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLatin Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cem\u003eBrassica oleracea\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness Zone: \u003c\/strong\u003eAnnual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to Maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 70-90\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to Germination:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7-14 \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeeding Depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.25 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Spacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18-24 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRow Spacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-30 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12-24 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Spread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18-24 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18-24 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compact, bushy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil at a pH of 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral) is preferred. It requires fertile soil enriched with organic matter or compost. High nitrogen content is beneficial.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60-70 F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full Sun \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDirect Sow:\u003c\/strong\u003e No (possible but not recommended in most zones)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStart Indoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outdoors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePests and Diseases:\u003c\/strong\u003e Susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles, slugs, snails, clubroot, black rot, and downy mildew. It’s advisable to rotate crops every year to prevent soil-borne diseases and practice good garden hygiene to avoid infestations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePurple of Sicily Cauliflower Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Green foliage with a purple and white head.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePurple of Sicily Cauliflower Flavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slightly sweet, mild, with a nutty undertone. It lacks the bitterness often associated with other cauliflowers, making it a great choice for raw dishes like salads and crudité platters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!--endattr--\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Non-GMO Purple of Sicily Cauliflower Vegetable Seeds\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo grow Purple of Sicily cauliflower from seed, start by sowing the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date. Cauliflower can be directly sown outdoors with some protection by using a cold frame, winter grow tent, or garden cloche. Sow seeds about 0.25 inch deep in a seed-starting mix, making sure the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. The seeds should germinate within 7-14 days if kept in an environment of about 65-70 F. Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, you can begin hardening them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a week before transplanting them into the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen transplanting, choose a location that receives full sun, with rich, well-draining soil. Cauliflower thrives in fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Space the plants 18-24 inches apart, with rows 24-30 inches apart. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and keep weeds down. Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season, as cauliflower is sensitive to drought and inconsistent watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout its growth, ensure that Purple of Sicily cauliflower is not exposed to temperatures that are too hot, as it prefers cooler weather between 60-70 F. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer or one high in nitrogen, especially during the early growing stages to promote leafy growth. As the head forms, you can protect it by gathering the leaves loosely over it to shield it from direct sunlight, though this variety is more resistant to discoloration than white cauliflower varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePurple of Sicily Cauliflower in the Vegetable Garden\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s primarily grown for its stunning purple heads, which add visual appeal alongside other crops. Its large, leafy canopy can provide ground cover and help suppress weeds, indirectly benefiting the garden. It is also often used in edible landscaping. Overall, it plays a decorative and edible role in home and commercial gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHarvesting Purple of Sicily Cauliflower\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurple of Sicily cauliflower is ready to harvest when the heads are fully formed but still tight and compact. The heads should be 6-8 inches in diameter. You’ll know it’s time to harvest when the heads reach full size (2-3 lbs), and the curds are firm. Use a sharp knife to cut the head from the stem, leaving a few outer leaves attached to protect the head. Cauliflower heads should be harvested before separating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Purple of Sicily Cauliflower Garden Seeds\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis cauliflower’s striking purple color sets it apart from traditional white cauliflower, and it’s known for being rich in anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that provide health benefits and vibrant pigmentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is native to the Mediterranean region, where it has been cultivated for centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurple of Sicily is most commonly grown in the fall or early spring, as cauliflower can suffer in hot weather. In warmer climates, providing some shade during the hottest part of the day may be necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTips From Our Gardeners\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Avoid planting cauliflower in the same area where other brassicas (such as broccoli or cabbage) have recently been grown. Crop rotation is an important practice for maintaining healthy cauliflower plants and reducing pest and disease pressure.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 20.7517%;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" height=\"89\" width=\"89\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2016\/2681\/files\/Lara-Wadsworth.jpg?v=1656702669\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 75.2483%;\"\u003e \u003cem\u003e- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePurple of Sicily Cauliflower Seeds Per Package:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 g - Wholesale - Approximately 580 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 8,200 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 32,900 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 131,600 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 658,000 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNon-GMO Purple of Sicily Cauliflower seeds are available for \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trueleafmarket.com\/pages\/shipping-information\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFast Free Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e on qualifying orders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!--split--\u003e","brand":"Mountain Valley Seed Company","offers":[{"title":"1 Lb","offer_id":47851237703917,"sku":"80973","price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5 Lb","offer_id":47851237736685,"sku":"81007","price":375.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/6048\/0493\/files\/1741111194_cauliflower_purple_of_sicily_comp_b05c3750-d6d4-4233-b0b8-37e1fc4c6b50.jpg?v=1741976952","url":"https:\/\/tlmwholesale.com\/products\/cauliflower-seeds-purple-of-sicily","provider":"True Leaf Wholesale","version":"1.0","type":"link"}