Purple vegetables are set to be a major trend this year.
Purple veg are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins which are great for improving memory, heart health and battling inflammation.
Let’s have a look at the 10 best purple vegetables to grow in 2024, discover their brilliant health benefits and how to grow them in your garden.
The 10 best Purple vegetables to grow in 2024 are: 1) Purple Cauliflower 2) Purple Potatoes 3) Purple Carrots 4) Purple Kale 5) Purple Asparagus 6) Purple Sweet Potato 7) Purple Brussels Sprouts 8) Purple Cabbage 9) Purple Radishes 10) Purple Sprouting Broccoli
Purple Cauliflower
Health Benefits
- Purple cauliflower is not only visually striking but also brimming with health-promoting nutrients.
- Like its white counterpart, it is rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Again the purple colour is due to the presence of anthocyanins. Additionally, purple cauliflower contains glucoraphanin, a compound with potential anticancer properties.
Growing Directions
- Purple cauliflower likes fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Start seeds indoors in early spring.
- Plant seedlings or transplants out in late spring or early summer, in a sunny spot with good airflow.
- Maintain consistent moisture levels to ensure even head development.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Heads are ready for harvest when they reach a compact size and display a vibrant purple hue, typically 2 to 3 months after planting.
Purple Potatoes
Health Benefits
- Purple potatoes are not only visually striking but also nutrient-dense.
- They contain high levels of potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants, including anthocyanins.
- These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support cardiovascular health.
- Purple potatoes also contain resistant starch, which is a type of fibre that promotes gut health and regulates blood sugar levels.
Growing Directions
- Plant purple potato tubers in spring in loose, well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter.
- Choose a sunny location with slightly acidic soil (pH 5.8 to 6.5) for optimal growth. Space tubers 12 to 15 inches apart in rows, with rows spaced 2 to 3 feet apart.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during tuber formation.
- Harvest potatoes when plants begin to die back, typically 2 to 4 months after planting, by gently digging around the base of the plant and carefully lifting tubers from the soil.
Purple Carrots
Health Benefits
- Purple carrots, with their deep hue, are packed with beneficial nutrients.
- In addition to beta-carotene, which gives carrots their orange colour, they again contain anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants associated with numerous health benefits.
- Regular consumption of purple carrots may support eye health, boost immune function, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Growing Directions
- Purple carrots thrive in loose, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
- Sow seeds directly into the garden bed in spring to summer, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart and covering them with a thin layer of soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds germinate, typically within 10 to 14 days.
- Thin seedlings to 4 to 6 inches apart once they reach a height of 2 to 3 inches to allow for proper root development.
- Carrots are ready for harvest when they reach a diameter of 1 to 1.5 inches, typically 60 to 80 days after sowing.
Purple Kale
Health Benefits
- Purple kale, a colourful variant of the traditional green kale, is a nutritional powerhouse.
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron, it supports overall health and vitality.
- The vibrant purple colour of kale indicates the presence of anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that help combat inflammation, boost immunity, and promote heart health.
- Regular consumption of purple kale is also associated with improved digestion and cognitive function.
Growing Directions
- Purple kale grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Plant seeds or seedlings in spring in a sunny location with partial shade in hotter climates.
- Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart, and water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Harvest leaves when they reach a length of 8 to 10 inches by cutting them just above the base of the stem.
- Regular pruning encourages continuous growth throughout the growing season.
- Check out our previous article on growing the closely related Cavolo Nero.
Purple Asparagus
Health Benefits
- Purple asparagus, a stunning variety of this perennial vegetable, has a similar nutritional profile to green asparagus with the addition of anthocyanins.
- Additionally, asparagus is a good source of fibre, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like folate and iron.
Growing Directions
- Plant purple asparagus crowns in spring, ideally March in the UK.
- Use well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter.
- Choose a sunny location with good airflow to prevent disease.
- Dig trenches 6 to 8 inches deep and space crowns 12 to 18 inches apart, covering them with 2 to 3 inches of soil.
- As plants grow, gradually fill in the trenches with soil until they are level with the surrounding ground.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Avoid harvesting spears during the first year to allow plants to establish a strong root system.
- In subsequent years, harvest spears when they reach a height of 6 to 8 inches, snapping them off at ground level to encourage continued production.
Purple Sweet Potatoes
Health Benefits
- Purple sweet potatoes are not only visually stunning but also highly nutritious.
- They are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, and are also a good source of vitamins A and C, fibre, and potassium.
Growing Directions
- Purple sweet potatoes require loose, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.5.
- Plant slips or cuttings in the spring, in a warm, sunny location with ample space for vines to spread.
- Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in rows spaced 3 to 4 feet apart.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during tuber formation.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Harvest sweet potatoes when leaves begin to yellow and die back, typically 3 to 4 months after planting, by gently digging around the base of the plant and carefully lifting tubers from the soil.
Purple Brussels Sprouts
Health Benefits
- Purple Brussels sprouts are not only interesting to look at but also packed with essential nutrients.
- They are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fibre and antioxidants. The purple colour of Brussels sprouts again indicates the presence of anthocyanins.
- Why not try these for something different this Christmas?
Growing Directions
- Purple Brussels sprouts thrive in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0.
- Plant seedlings or transplants in March to May, under fleece or cloches if the weather is still cold.
- Choose a sunny location with ample airflow.
- Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows spaced 2 to 3 feet apart. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the development of sprouts.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Harvest Brussels sprouts when they reach a diameter of 1 to 2 inches, typically 90 to 100 days after planting, by snapping them off the stalk from the bottom up.
Purple Cabbage
Health Benefits
- Also known as red cabbage, purple cabbage is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritional powerhouse. It is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fibre and antioxidants.
- The deep purple colour of cabbage is indicative of its high anthocyanin content.
- Great cooked, pickled or eaten raw in slaws.
Growing Directions
- Purple cabbage thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Plant seedlings or transplants in spring in a sunny location with ample airflow.
- Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in rows spaced 2 to 3 feet apart.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during head formation.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Harvest cabbage heads when they reach a firm, compact size, typically 70 to 100 days after planting, by cutting them off at the base of the stalk.
Purple Radishes
Health Benefits
- Purple radishes are not only a colourful addition to your garden but also a nutritious one.
- They are rich in vitamins C and B6, as well as fibre and antioxidants.
- They are easy and fast to grow, you can usually get a few harvests with continuous planting.
- Great for kids and beginner gardeners.
Growing Directions
- Purple radishes thrive in loose, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Sow seeds directly into the garden bed, spacing them 1 to 2 inches apart and covering them with a thin layer of soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds germinate, typically within 5 to 7 days.
- Thin seedlings to 4 to 6 inches apart once they reach a height of 2 to 3 inches to allow for proper root development.
- Radishes are ready for harvest when they reach a diameter of 1 to 2 inches, typically 20 to 30 days after sowing.
Purple Sprouting Broccoli
Health Benefits
- Purple sprouting broccoli is popular in restaurants as an attractive side dish.
- It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fibre and antioxidants like anthocyanins,
- Additionally, sprouting broccoli contains sulforaphane, a compound with potent anticancer properties.
Growing Directions
- Purple sprouting broccoli thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Sow seeds in April and plant seedlings or transplants in June.
- Choose a sunny location with ample airflow.
- Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows spaced 2 to 3 feet apart.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the development of florets.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Harvest broccoli florets when they reach a desirable size, typically 60 to 90 days after planting, by cutting them off at the base of the stem.
- Regular harvesting encourages continuous production throughout the growing season.
Final Thoughts
These purple vegetables are so stunning and provide a bounty of health benefits.
Join us this year in trying out these beautiful veggies in our gardens and on our plates!