Brassica oleracea var. botrytis 'Violet Queen'

Cauliflowers are tasty and nutritious vegetables that can survive temperatures down to -10°C. Choose the right varieties and time your seed sowing well, and you could harvest crops right through the year. The leaves are also edible. Once the central head has been cut, smaller heads will be produced.

Cauliflower 'Violet Queen' is a vigorous cultivar with rich purple heads that can be eaten raw or cooked, which will turn the heads green. Like other brassicas, cauliflower 'Violet Queen' thrives in a fairly heavy, alkaline soil – if your soil is acidic, add lime. Grow in a sheltered spot in firm, rich, well-drained soil in full sun. The Royal Horticultural Society has awarded cauliflower 'Violet Queen' its prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

Plant deeply, 60cm apart, and protect from birds and insects. Water well after planting.