The jacaranda tree might top my list of favorite SoCal trees. Native to South America, it is widely planted in frost-free areas because of the attractive purple flowers and lacy foliage.

This is my recollection of a street in Coronado, California when at about age ten, my father took the family to see the jacarandas. There are still streets like this in Los Angeles and Pasadena that beckon in late May and early June. Read more about jacaranda mimosifolia in Los Angeles here.

When I perused a Territorial Seed Company catalog last summer, I was smitten with the possibility of growing ‘Jacaranda’ broccoli. I thought it a suitable replacement for purple sprouting broccoli which is unreliable in my garden.

I ordered the seed and in October transplanted six seedlings about 15 inches apart in my raised bed. The plants are compact with blue-green leaves and yielded attractive purple heads about six inches across.

Other commendations: it produces about ten days earlier than most broccoli varieties and I’ve noted side shoots developing on the plants. ‘Jacaranda’ is actually a cross of broccoli and cauliflower. It will be a winter garden regular.