[LottyLouis]

All my broccoli bolted - and the smart money was on the fact that 'it was warm' when the heads were forming. Now I have sprouts that appear to be forming loose heads. Again - info from all sides suggests that Brussels don't like it 'warm'. Well - we sow these things in the spring - they will be developing when the weather warms up. So - how is anybody ever successful? I've probably misunderstood the whole concept. Advice please!     

[mumofstig]

I think your broccoli may only have bolted because you stressed them by moving them. As long as they are kept moist enough they don't mind heat - they are an Italian crop after all.
I find it easier to grow Calabrese for Summer crops - which is what supermarket broccoli is.

There is a lot of confusion over the difference between broccoli and calabrese . The easy way for gardeners to remember is that broccoli is an over wintered crop and calabrese produces its crop the same year it is sown, before winter starts.

http://www.allotment-garden.org/grow-your-own/calabrese.php

Did you make sure the Brussels were very firmly planted, as they don't like loose soil? It also seems a bit early for any sprouts to be forming - so when did you sow them?

[brokenglass]

Move to Scotland you will never have to worry about heat ever again!

[LottyLouis]

Hey Mum - so, are we saying that calabrese is the thing you get in the supermarket and it has a single big head - and broccoli is actually sprouting broccoli? In that case, my veg were calabrese.
I planted the brussels in paper pots back in spring time, I guess maybe March-ish. Planted them out when they were healthy little plants with around 4 leaves. That would have been around April/May. I think I bedded them in tight - but maybe not. Most of them have little sprouts forming - biggest one is the size of a big pea. Never grown brussels before. Are they going to be spoiled? Can I eat them even if they form loosely? I have visions of them being full of critters!! 

[Goosegirl]

Have a look at the Brussels Query thread as that might help.