Purpling of older leaves is normal for some varieties of broccoli - don't know your variety.

It is also common to many different types of seedlings, poses no threat to them, and disappears once transplanted to the garden. It results from the cooler temps, growth stresses, and slow root development. For all practical purposes it is "normal" in seedlings and your's look quite good and healthy and ready for the garden once hardened off.

Keep in mind that feeding leads to top growth and the roots have to be able to support that top growth once it develops so go easy on the feeding.

Dave

Your seedling looks great. Don't stress. :)

thanks, that helps alot - I was really beginning to worry that they were going to keel over just before I got them out to the garden!!
And the variety is Packman.. I'll remember for future use to make sure I include that!

Thanks again!
-T

I think it was the giant teddy bear that was causing them all that stress =)

lol! But the broccoli leaf is as big as his head in that picture so he shouldn't be that intimidated! Maybe it was the whole gang of stuffed animals that were putting on the stress!

I'll have to watch the background better next time.