Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: 5thhorseman on April 26, 2009, 12:59

Title: Purple sprouting broccoli from last year
Post by: 5thhorseman on April 26, 2009, 12:59

We've been eating broccoli shoots for over a month now.  We planted these last year but I think I put them in a bit too early as they bolted.  Nevertheless they lasted the winter and have been fine.

Does anyone know how long I should let them grow before I chop them down completely.  I was thinking of sauteing the leaves/stalks or making them into a soup.  The florets are a bit long and gangly now, but I think that's because they are in a slightly shady spot.

Title: Re: Purple sprouting broccoli from last year
Post by: mumofstig on April 26, 2009, 14:25

if they are not growing any more usable florets then pull them up for something else to go in. Use stems/leaves as you want, and compost the rest if they're not too woody, but they need to come out now IMO :)

Title: Re: Purple sprouting broccoli from last year
Post by: DD. on April 26, 2009, 14:31

If the florets are long  gangly, they've gone over, should have been picked sooner. Having said that, the microscopic ones that you over look seem huge when they start running to seed.

I agree with mumofstig. The last of my sprouters came out today to make way for this season's stuff.

Title: Re: Purple sprouting broccoli from last year
Post by: 5thhorseman on April 26, 2009, 16:55

Thanks all!  They'll be out by eod and hopefully make a nice puree or broccoli soup!