Brassica oleracea (Cauliflower) Violetto di Sicilia – Purple cauliflower for a colorful harvest

Colorful and tasty cauliflower

Brassica oleracea Violetto di Sicilia, also known as purple cauliflower Violetto di Sicilia, is a unique and striking variety that appeals to gardeners and chefs with its intensely purple, densely packed heads. With an average weight of about 1 kg, this cauliflower combines visual appeal with a delicious flavor. When cooked, the bright purple color subtly changes to a soft pink, creating a unique presentation in salads, stews, or side dishes.

Violetto di Sicilia is an early-maturing cauliflower, ideal for gardeners who want to plan multiple crops per season and aim for a longer harvest period.

Growing period and planting advice

Like all cabbage varieties, Violetto di Sicilia is a heavy feeder that thrives in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Proper fertilization is essential for healthy growth and compact, firm cauliflower heads.

Sowing and planting:

• Pre-sowing: from early March to mid-July

• Plant out: approximately 4 weeks after sowing, at a distance of 60 x 50 cm

• Direct sowing: also possible for flexible planning

The variety typically reaches harvest-ready stage 90 days after sowing, making it slightly faster than other traditional cauliflower varieties. This makes it possible to grow several crops in a single season, contributing to a continuous harvest of fresh, purple cauliflower.

Cold tolerance and harvest

A major advantage of Violetto di Sicilia is its excellent cold tolerance. This makes it suitable for successful cultivation in both spring and early autumn. The harvest period extends from mid-June to November, depending on sowing time and local climate conditions.

With the right cultivation techniques and good soil preparation, hobby gardeners and professional growers can count on a bountiful harvest of healthy, tasty cauliflower heads.

Nutrition and care

Cauliflower is a heavy feeder and requires a constant supply of nutrients to ensure optimal growth. Before planting, it's recommended to incorporate organic fertilizer or compost into the soil. During the growing season, additional nitrogen-rich fertilizer can support the development of compact and firm cauliflower heads.

Watering: Regularly moistening the soil is important, especially during warm periods. Ensure moist but well-drained soil to prevent root rot or other diseases.

Properties of Violetto di Sicilia

• Colour: bright purple, changes to soft pink when cooked

• Head weight: approximately 1 kg

• Maturity: early, about 90 days from sowing to harvest

• Cold tolerant: suitable for early and late crops

• Cultivation: successive crops possible for continuous harvesting

• Soil: nutritious and well-drained

• Diet: heavy eater, fertilization essential

Thanks to its firm structure and compact flower heads, Violetto di Sicilia is ideal for both fresh consumption and culinary applications, with the purple colour adding a colourful and healthy touch to any meal.

Ideal for hobby gardeners and professional growers

Whether for a small vegetable garden or a professional grower, the Violetto di Sicilia cauliflower offers a reliable yield and a visually appealing harvest. This variety combines speed, cold tolerance, and flavor, and is flexible and adaptable to various cultivation methods.