More Than A Vegetable: This Cabbage Cousin Elevates Garden Beds With Vibrant Pops Of Purple

When you're trying to make the most of a small backyard, planning the perfect garden beds can take some thoughtful execution. After all, if you're short on space, you want to ensure that every plant you choose has a purpose in your garden. As a result, you may find yourself looking for plants that can pull double duty. That includes plants like a cabbage cousin that adds both striking visual appeal while remaining entirely edible.

'Purple Peacock' broccoli (Brassica oleracea) is a hybrid between broccoli and kale. You can also eat every part of this plant, from the leaves to the florets, which makes it perfect for maximizing space in a smaller garden bed. However, being edible isn't all this plant brings to the table. 'Purple Peacock' broccoli is also quite a peacock in the garden, stealing the show with its bright purple stems. While you could add it to your next serving of vegetables at meal time, many people also grow this broccoli hybrid as an ornamental plant. It takes just over two months for 'Purple Peacock' broccoli to reach maturity, with the adult plants reaching up to 2 feet tall.

With the right time and care, growing broccoli can be an easy task, making it a plant that even beginner gardeners can grow. However, brushing up on how to grow it in an elevated garden bed and providing optimal care can make the difference between a lackluster start and a show-stopping edible ornamental.

One of the most important factors to pay attention to when growing this cabbage cousin in a raised bed is giving it enough space. Broccoli and many other plants do best when they have room to breathe. Growing plants too close together forces them to compete with each other, and instead of two healthy, thriving plants, you may end up with less-than-desirable results as they're unable to reach their maximum potential. Aiming for around a foot and a half of space between each plant ensures that you're utilizing your square footage properly while also keeping your broccoli plants from crowding.

You can start your 'Purple Peacock' broccoli seeds either indoors or directly outside. Just be sure to pay attention to frost dates, as that'll dictate which option is most viable for your plants. If you decide to start your seeds indoors and then transplant your broccoli seedlings outside later, you can start them as early as six weeks before the last frost. For outdoor seeding, try not to plant earlier than one week before the last frost for a better chance at success.

'Purple Peacock' broccoli requires full sun to grow. If you're looking to grow it alongside other plants, you could try companion planting. This colorful cabbage cousin does well alongside a variety of plants, including carrots, celery, and radishes.