Troubleshooting
'Purple Sprouting' Broccoli problems — and how to fix them
'Purple Sprouting' Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica 'Purple Sprouting') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Wind-rock
Tall winter plants loosen in the soil during gales, tearing roots. Plant firmly, earth up the stems, and stake individually in exposed sites.
Pigeon damage
Wood pigeons strip leaves of overwintering brassicas in hard weather, sometimes to the stalk. Protect with netting or mesh cages from autumn onward.
Clubroot
Soil-borne disease that swells and rots roots, stunting plants over the long season. Lime to near-neutral pH, improve drainage, and rotate brassicas on a 3-4 year cycle.
Cabbage white caterpillars
Summer caterpillars defoliate young plants before they establish. Net with fine mesh and pick off eggs and larvae by hand.
Prevent 'purple sprouting' broccoli problems before they start
Most 'purple sprouting' broccoli issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for 'purple sprouting' broccoli in general rather than its problems? Read the full 'purple sprouting' broccoli care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
'Purple Sprouting' Broccoli problems — FAQ
Why is my 'purple sprouting' broccoli wind-rock?
Tall winter plants loosen in the soil during gales, tearing roots. Plant firmly, earth up the stems, and stake individually in exposed sites.
Why is my 'purple sprouting' broccoli pigeon damage?
Wood pigeons strip leaves of overwintering brassicas in hard weather, sometimes to the stalk. Protect with netting or mesh cages from autumn onward.
Why is my 'purple sprouting' broccoli clubroot?
Soil-borne disease that swells and rots roots, stunting plants over the long season. Lime to near-neutral pH, improve drainage, and rotate brassicas on a 3-4 year cycle.
Why is my 'purple sprouting' broccoli cabbage white caterpillars?
Summer caterpillars defoliate young plants before they establish. Net with fine mesh and pick off eggs and larvae by hand.