Brassica oleracea var. italica (59 days) Purple sprouting broccoli is an old English type broccoli. Early Purple Sprouting Broccoli is not only a colorful addition to salads, but it is very flavorful. We slightly cook them in the microwave and toss them in salads. I was stunned at the size of this particular strain when I went to see it in our grower's field. It was huge, about 3' tall and FULL of large purple side shoots. Approx. 9,000 seeds/ounce.