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Violet Queen Cauliflower

Scientific name Brassica oleracea L. Botrytis Group

About this variety

Violet Queen brings rich purple color to a cauliflower head framed by dark green leaves. Its mild, sweet florets are attractive on a raw vegetable plate, and they soften into a mellow side dish when steamed or roasted. Cooking usually turns the purple color green. Unlike white cauliflower, the heads need no leaf covering to keep their color....

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Alliance of Native Seedkeepers  |  SKU: CA5
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At a glance

The facts most gardeners need first

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300 minimum seeds per packet
Gardener experience

Moderate

Germination difficulty

Easy

Germination time

4-10 days at 65-75 F for germination seed-zone soil temperature

  • Germination
    4-10 daysa seed-zone soil temperature of 65-75 F for germination
  • Maturity
    Approximately 80-89 Days, from transplanting to the primary market harvest stage. Weather, soil temperature, and planting method can shift the actual harvest date.
  • Sun
    Full sun
  • Support and spacing
    No support needed · space 18 in · rows 30 in
  • Growth habit
    Upright or erect · Biennial · 25–30 in tall
  • Best use
    Curds for fresh use and cooking, cool-season production, and seed saving
Secure checkout Details
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Triple-tested seed qualityRegular quality and germination checks support every packet.

We regularly test seed quality and germination as lots move through storage and packing. We stand behind the seed we send and want customers to contact us when a packet does not perform as reasonably expected.

1-year seed warrantyCoverage begins on the date of purchase.

When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from the date of purchase. Conditions outside our control—including extreme weather, pests, unsuitable storage, and gardener error—are excluded. Contact us when something is not right so we can review the situation and work toward a replacement, refund, or another fair resolution.

Non-GMO / BE seed policyWe do not buy or sell genetically engineered or bioengineered seed.

Every seed variety we sell is non-GMO.

USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard defines bioengineered foods as containing detectable genetic material modified through in vitro recombinant DNA methods in ways not achievable through conventional breeding or found in nature.

  • Hybrid means parent lines were conventionally crossed; hybrid does not mean GMO.
  • Heirloom and open-pollinated describe how a variety is maintained and reproduced.
  • Organic certification is separate and is shown only when verified for the individual product.

Read how we define heirloom, hybrid, and GMO/BE seed · USDA BE Standard

Packed in Colerain, North CarolinaPrepared in our seed room for gardens across the country.

Seeds are packed and shipped from Colerain, North Carolina. Our packets use forestry-certified paper, and we use recyclable paper mailers where appropriate. AONSK is also a 1% for the Planet partner while continuing to reduce waste in packing and fulfillment.

Seed & Garden Calculators

Need a plan for your space?

Use the garden-fit planner and soil calculator to turn the recorded growing facts into a practical plan.

Open Seed & Garden Calculators Uses this product’s recorded growing information. Local weather and garden conditions may vary.

Variety field guide

What to expect from Violet Queen Cauliflower

Violet Queen brings rich purple color to a cauliflower head framed by dark green leaves.

Open the complete descriptionHide the complete descriptionVariety traits, flavor, garden use, and the complete description

Violet Queen brings rich purple color to a cauliflower head framed by dark green leaves. Its mild, sweet florets are attractive on a raw vegetable plate, and they soften into a mellow side dish when steamed or roasted. Cooking usually turns the purple color green. Unlike white cauliflower, the heads need no leaf covering to keep their color. Give plants a cool growing season and steady water so the curds develop well before hot weather arrives.

Minimum seeds per packet: 300 seeds.

Rich purple florets for colorful fresh vegetable platters.

Variety and background

The current supplier lists Violet Queen as open-pollinated, while breeder records describe the original Violet Queen as F1. Lot-specific status remains unconfirmed. Purple curds can turn green when cooked; tying leaves for white-curd blanching is unnecessary.

Growing facts

Scientific name Brassica oleracea L. Botrytis Group
Life cycle Biennial
Maturity / harvest basis 80-89 Days
Seed depth 1/4-1/2 in
Germination 4-10 days
Germination temperature 65-75 F
Plant height / spread 25–30 in
Habit Upright/Erect
Plant spacing 18 in
Row spacing 30 in
Sunlight Full sun
Pollination type Unconfirmed for current lot; supplier and breeder records conflict

Starting from seed

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting for a cool-season harvest. Sow 1/4-1/2 in. deep; at 65-75 F allow 4-10 days. Harden off; set 18-24 in. apart, rows 24-30 in. apart. Give fertile soil, even water and room for the leaves.

Planting and care

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting for a cool-season harvest. Sow 1/4-1/2 in. deep; at 65-75 F allow 4-10 days. Harden off; set 18-24 in. apart, rows 24-30 in. apart. Give fertile soil, even water and room for the leaves. The current supplier lists Violet Queen as open-pollinated, while breeder records describe the original Violet Queen as F1. Lot-specific status remains unconfirmed. Purple curds can turn green when cooked; tying leaves for white-curd blanching is unnecessary.

Harvest and use

Cut full heads while curds remain firm, with a few wrapper leaves attached. Refrigerate promptly. For a seed crop, leave heads to flower and isolate other B. oleracea. Saved seedlings may vary; uniform offspring are not assured.

Saving seed

Saved seed may vary from the purchased selection. The current supplier lists Violet Queen as open-pollinated, while breeder records describe the original Violet Queen as F1. Lot-specific status remains unconfirmed. Purple curds can turn green when cooked; tying leaves for white-curd blanching is unnecessary. For reliable repetition, use seed of the identified supplier selection. When saving seed for observation, keep compatible flowering varieties separated, let seed reach full maturity, dry it thoroughly and label its origin and year.

Common problems

Common concerns: Flea beetles, imported cabbageworm, cabbage loopers, aphids, slugs, root maggots, and clubroot risk where the pathogen is present. Management: Use rotation, insect netting before pests arrive, regular leaf inspection, sanitation, and well-drained soil. Do not plant the same brassica family repeatedly in one bed. Diagnosis note: Similar symptoms can have different causes. Compare plants of the same age, record weather and irrigation, and use local Extension or diagnostic support before applying a control.

Frequently asked questions

What distinguishes this selection?
The current supplier lists Violet Queen as open-pollinated, while breeder records describe the original Violet Queen as F1. Lot-specific status remains unconfirmed. Purple curds can turn green when cooked; tying leaves for white-curd blanching is unnecessary.

How should I start it?
Start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting for a cool-season harvest. Sow 1/4-1/2 in. deep; at 65-75 F allow 4-10 days. Harden off; set 18-24 in. apart, rows 24-30 in. apart. Give fertile soil, even water and room for the leaves.

When and how should I harvest?
Cut full heads while curds remain firm, with a few wrapper leaves attached. Refrigerate promptly. For a seed crop, leave heads to flower and isolate other B. oleracea. Saved seedlings may vary; uniform offspring are not assured.

Can I save seed?
Saved seed may vary from the purchased selection. The current supplier lists Violet Queen as open-pollinated, while breeder records describe the original Violet Queen as F1. Lot-specific status remains unconfirmed. Purple curds can turn green when cooked; tying leaves for white-curd blanching is unnecessary. For reliable repetition, use seed of the identified supplier selection. When saving seed for observation, keep compatible flowering varieties separated, let seed reach full maturity, dry it thoroughly and label its origin and year.

Seed & Garden CalculatorsOpen the garden-fit planner, planting-window questions, or soil calculator only when useful

Uses this product’s recorded growing information. Local weather, soil, and garden conditions may vary.

Garden-fit planning for this variety

Will Violet Queen Cauliflower fit your garden?

Use your space, timing, light, soil, water, and growing preferences to make a more informed choice. Start with the essentials, then open only the detail groups that matter to you.

Rules-based · no AI · optional answers

Add an optional ZIP code and planting date for a broad frost-window check.Use local forecasts and measured soil temperature for final planting decisions.
1Essential fitTiming, light, and space
2Temperature and exposureOptional microclimate detail
3Soil, drainage, and waterRoot-zone readiness
4Questions for this garden seedCrop-specific decisions
5Seed-starting fit and patienceMatch the propagation work
Recorded product profileIntermediateEasyRead why
Soil test, pH, drainage, and amendment calculator Have a laboratory soil report? Enter pH, nutrients, texture, bed size, and site observations here. Open soil tools
Recorded soil typeLoamy
Recorded pH range6.0–6.5
Water needsModerate
LightFull sun

Laboratory report interpreter

Soil readiness for Violet Queen Cauliflower

Brassica oleracea L. Botrytis Group

Enter only the values your report provides. The result compares them with this crop’s recorded needs and keeps laboratory recommendations authoritative.

Core report valuesStart here
Advanced laboratory valuesOptional method-aware detail

Full growing record

Complete growing and seedkeeping record

Starting and plantingSeed preparation, sowing, germination, transplanting, spacing, and early establishment
Start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting for a cool-season harvest. Sow 1/4-1/2 in. deep; at 65-75 F allow 4-10 days. Harden off; set 18-24 in. apart, rows 24-30 in. apart. Give fertile soil, even water and room for the leaves. The current supplier lists Violet Queen as open-pollinated, while breeder records describe the original Violet Queen as F1. Lot-specific status remains unconfirmed. Purple curds can turn green when cooked; tying leaves for white-curd blanching is unnecessary.
Season-long growing guideWater, fertility, support, weather response, pollination, containers, and care through maturity
Start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting for a cool-season harvest. Sow 1/4-1/2 in. deep; at 65-75 F allow 4-10 days. Harden off; set 18-24 in. apart, rows 24-30 in. apart. Give fertile soil, even water and room for the leaves.
Harvest, storage, and usesRecognizing maturity, harvesting cleanly, handling, storage, and crop-appropriate uses

Harvest and storage

Cut full heads while curds remain firm, with a few wrapper leaves attached. Refrigerate promptly. For a seed crop, leave heads to flower and isolate other B. oleracea. Saved seedlings may vary; uniform offspring are not assured.

Saved seed may vary from the purchased selection. The current supplier lists Violet Queen as open-pollinated, while breeder records describe the original Violet Queen as F1. Lot-specific status remains unconfirmed. Purple curds can turn green when cooked; tying leaves for white-curd blanching is unnecessary. For reliable repetition, use seed of the identified supplier selection. When saving seed for observation, keep compatible flowering varieties separated, let seed reach full maturity, dry it thoroughly and label its origin and year.

Uses and garden roles

Violet Queen brings rich purple color to a cauliflower head framed by dark green leaves. Its mild, sweet florets are attractive on a raw vegetable plate, and they soften into a mellow side dish when steamed or roasted. Cooking usually turns the purple color green. Unlike white cauliflower, the heads need no leaf covering to keep their color. Give plants a cool growing season and steady water so the curds develop well before hot weather arrives.

Cut full heads while curds remain firm, with a few wrapper leaves attached. Refrigerate promptly. For a seed crop, leave heads to flower and isolate other B. oleracea. Saved seedlings may vary; uniform offspring are not assured.
Seed savingSelection, pollination, isolation, full maturity, cleaning, drying, labeling, and storage
Saved seed may vary from the purchased selection. The current supplier lists Violet Queen as open-pollinated, while breeder records describe the original Violet Queen as F1. Lot-specific status remains unconfirmed. Purple curds can turn green when cooked; tying leaves for white-curd blanching is unnecessary. For reliable repetition, use seed of the identified supplier selection. When saving seed for observation, keep compatible flowering varieties separated, let seed reach full maturity, dry it thoroughly and label its origin and year.
Pests, diseases, and troubleshootingPrevention, diagnosis, environmental disorders, common damage, and first-response checks
Common concerns: Flea beetles, imported cabbageworm, cabbage loopers, aphids, slugs, root maggots, and clubroot risk where the pathogen is present. Management: Use rotation, insect netting before pests arrive, regular leaf inspection, sanitation, and well-drained soil. Do not plant the same brassica family repeatedly in one bed. Diagnosis note: Similar symptoms can have different causes. Compare plants of the same age, record weather and irrigation, and use local Extension or diagnostic support before applying a control.
Frequently asked questionsDecision-focused answers that supplement the detailed guides above
What distinguishes this selection?
The current supplier lists Violet Queen as open-pollinated, while breeder records describe the original Violet Queen as F1. Lot-specific status remains unconfirmed. Purple curds can turn green when cooked; tying leaves for white-curd blanching is unnecessary.

How should I start it?
Start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting for a cool-season harvest. Sow 1/4-1/2 in. deep; at 65-75 F allow 4-10 days. Harden off; set 18-24 in. apart, rows 24-30 in. apart. Give fertile soil, even water and room for the leaves.

When and how should I harvest?
Cut full heads while curds remain firm, with a few wrapper leaves attached. Refrigerate promptly. For a seed crop, leave heads to flower and isolate other B. oleracea. Saved seedlings may vary; uniform offspring are not assured.

Can I save seed?
Saved seed may vary from the purchased selection. The current supplier lists Violet Queen as open-pollinated, while breeder records describe the original Violet Queen as F1. Lot-specific status remains unconfirmed. Purple curds can turn green when cooked; tying leaves for white-curd blanching is unnecessary. For reliable repetition, use seed of the identified supplier selection. When saving seed for observation, keep compatible flowering varieties separated, let seed reach full maturity, dry it thoroughly and label its origin and year.
History and provenanceBotanical identity, cultivar history, regional or cultural context, uncertainty, and source records

Scientific name: Brassica oleracea L. Botrytis Group

Common name: Cauliflower

Cultivar or variety: Violet Queen

The current supplier lists Violet Queen as open-pollinated, while breeder records describe the original Violet Queen as F1. Lot-specific status remains unconfirmed. Purple curds can turn green when cooked; tying leaves for white-curd blanching is unnecessary.

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Helpful growing guides for this variety

Customer experience

Reviews for Violet Queen Cauliflower

Customer Reviews

Based on 1 review
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W
Wolter, Timothy

Planted 13 different varieties of seed packets (I mean, more seeds is free shipping right?) in seed trays and most of them are coming up strong looking to go from plugs to crops.
Replant The Garden 💚

Hi W.T.! Thank you for your review. We are glad your Violet Queen cauliflower seeds arrived promptly, and we hope you have a wonderful growing season.

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