[woodavon]

I sowed PSB seeds in late March/April and planted out tiny plants in May.  They're now over 3 feet tall and have purple sprouting heads.  Help!  What to do?  If I leave them will they be OK or do I cut the main bud and pretend it's Spring and keep cropping?  I don't really want PSB just yet I wanted it after winter!  Is it way too late to sow another batch? 

[sunshineband]

Cut the spears before they turn into sprays of yellow flowers. The plant will grow more, too.

It is a bit late to sow more now, but you can buy young plants, whihc should crop in the new year

[azubah]

I have had this problem for a couple of years.
A relative told me that there are early and late flowering varieties, so I have sown a late variety this year and they are nowhere near flowering yet.
It will be best to eat your broccoli heads when they are ready, as the plants probably won't do much next spring.
I would sow more and hope for the best. We might have a mild autumn.

[Growster...]

With any luck, you'll have side shoots forming well into winter, if you pick them regularly starting now!

Well done you for getting these going, after all, you don't need to eat pounds of the stuff every day do you!

This is exactly what happened to us last year, and as there are millions of types of PSB, I reckon it's a lottery on what you're going to finish up with anyway!

You can freeze it too of course.

[woodavon]

Thanks for all your help - I'm new to this.  I'll start picking and also sow a few more just in case - nothing to lose.  In my panic I didn't think of freezing so that'll help as we've got other stuff to eat now (like beans, courgettes, calabrese....!).  The PSB was aiming for when we didn't have much else.  Typical!

[Salmo]

If they were a Winter variety to crop in the Spring I am afraid you sowed too early. I sow mine mid May and set them out in July after broad beans and peas are finished.

I doubt if seeds sown now will make big enough plants to go through the Winter. Better to buy plants. You only need about six.

You should pick your current crop as it will quickly go to flower

[Goosegirl]

I sowed mine in June as it seems early sowings of all brassicas tend to be ready too soon. My PSB and kale are potted on in pots and will be planted out tomorrow.

[Growster...]

Never, ever worry about being new to growing your own veg Woodie!

We've all been there, and just getting your crops out as you are, is a great way to continue your enthusiasm!

We're freezing just a few broad beans each time we go down to the plot, and eventually, that old plastic bag in the freezer will be big enough to see us through the winter! And we'll probs do the same with the broccoli etc...

Good post, 'yours' - keep at it!

Growster has spoken!

[sunshineband]

Mr G is right -- it is surprsing how it all adds up and then feeds you well through the winter. Consdier also the sacks of potatoes, strings of onions, jars of jam etc as well.

You'll live like a king 


(and then there's the cordials and flavoured vodkas too, but that's another story  )

You keep going Woodie, and you'll do just fine 

[Growster...]

Mr G is right -- it is surprsing how it all adds up and then feeds you well through the winter. Consdier also the sacks of potatoes, strings of onions, jars of jam etc as well.

You'll live like a king 


(and then there's the cordials and flavoured vodkas too, but that's another story  )

You keep going Woodie, and you'll do just fine 

KC has never got it wrong Woodie, so there you have it!

Keep telling us how you're doing, and we'll be there to help if you need anyone's advice!

And --- join in on the other bits of this website, because there's loads of stuff to help you, and also have a few laughs as well...!

(You don't have to laugh at Growster'[s comments if you don't want to...!)

[woodavon]

Thank you all so much for your help and encouragement. 

[woodavon]

Quick update...  Managed to buy some PSB plants today.  Sorted!