Purple Fioretto Cauliflower
Brassica Oleracea Var. Botrytis

days to maturity: 70 days
plant spacing: 2 square feet per plant
sunlight requirements: 8 hours
look out for: improper spacing or not enough sun
harvest notes: harvest when it looks like a super elongated cauliflower. can be harvested a little bit at a time for a couple of weeks before it flowers.
seasons: fall, winter

Purple Fioretto is a real showstopper in the veggie patch—think of it as cauliflower with a stylish twist. Instead of the usual dense white head, Purple Fioretto produces loose, branching stems topped with petite, lavender-purple florets. It’s sometimes called “flowering cauliflower,” and it has a delicate, nutty-sweet flavor that’s milder and more tender than standard varieties. In our zone 10b climate, it grows best as a cool-season crop. Plant it in the fall or winter, when temperatures are mild, because too much summer heat can cause it to bolt before producing well. Give it full sun, rich soil, and steady moisture, and you’ll be rewarded with harvests that not only taste great but look stunning on the plate.Culinary-wise, Purple Fioretto shines. It can be roasted, stir-fried, or even eaten raw in salads, where its bright color holds up beautifully. Light steaming brings out the sweetness and keeps the purple hue vibrant. Chefs love using it as a garnish or centerpiece because it turns an ordinary dish into something eye-catching.