Happy Rich Broccoli vs. Purple Peacock Broccoli

Physical Characteristics

• An attention-grabber in the garden, "Purple Peacock" displays frilly, blue-green leaves, striped with fuchsia and attached to bright purple stems. A more conservative dark green all over, "Happy Rich" is a later, larger version of the popular "Green Lance" broccoli variety. Although close in size, "Happy Rich" typically grows 20 to 28 inches tall with jumbo florets, while "Purple Peacock" reaches 18 to 24 inches, bearing smaller florets.

Taste Comparisons

• Despite the similarities between "Happy Rich" and broccoli raab, its florets are not bitter like the strong-flavored raab, even when eaten raw. The leaves and stems taste good, too. The leaves of "Purple Peacock" are sweeter and more tender than kale, the stems of the plant rival asparagus, and the florets are also tasty. However, the vibrant colors of "Purple Peacock" fade during cooking. Following blanching, all parts of the plants freeze well for use over the winter.

Differences in Growing

• Both "Happy Rich" and "Purple Peacock" varieties can be planted as annuals in the spring or fall. "Happy Rich" usually matures in only 50 days, while "Purple Peacock" takes 70 days, on average. Although neither can compete with their Brassica relative, cabbage, in hardiness, "Purple Peacock" is particularly frost tolerant. The plant survives temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. A little less tough, "Happy Rich" tolerates temperature dips to 25 F.

Care Requirements

• Every broccoli plant needs full sun for best production. "Happy Rich" and "Purple Peacock" also require plenty of room surrounding them. Space plants 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart in each row, leaving 3 feet between rows. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not sopping. Since broccoli is a heavy feeder, immediately after planting, dig shallow trenches on either side of the seeds and add 3 to 4 pounds of 5-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet. The plant does not like acidic soil, so if your soil pH falls much below 7.0, add some crushed limestone to ensure that your broccoli can absorb the nutrients it needs.