Purple Cauliflower 'Graffiti'
'Graffiti' is a striking and contemporary cauliflower variety that brings a dramatic splash of colour to the vegetable garden. It produces dense, vibrant violet-purple heads that contrast beautifully with its dark green, upright foliage. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, 'Graffiti' is prized for its excellent flavour and refined texture. Interestingly, the purple colour is due to the presence of anthocyanins (antioxidants), which are also found in red grapes and blueberries. While many purple vegetables lose their tint when cooked, 'Graffiti' retains much of its intensity if steamed or roasted, though boiling can cause it to fade to a deep green. This variety is relatively heat-tolerant for a cauliflower, making it a more reliable choice for UK summer and autumn harvests. It requires a firm, fertile soil and consistent moisture to prevent the heads from maturing too early or becoming 'ricey'. Regular monitoring for cabbage white caterpillars is essential for a clean crop.
Sun: Full sun or partial shade.
Soil: Deep, moisture-retentive, fertile soil.
Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.