[Sue33]

My psb doesn't produce a "head" it just seems to produce "spears" and yes, pick as soon as you see them, they go to seed very quickly 

[erainn]

mumofstig thanks for your helpful link, so what I have is more correctly termed Purple Sprouting Calabrese, as it produces in the same year as planting, unlike Broccoli, which I now haved learned produces after a winter.

Gratfeul appreciation for all the kind advice and information

[erainn]

Must say there seems to be a degree of confusion over Calabrese, which some describe as PSB, while others, including celebrity chefs reckon PSB produces in February

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jan/16/purple-broccoli-chilli-anchovy-recipe-hugh-fearnley-whittingstall

Very unclear All I know is I bought some organic seeds, the packet of which said PSB, now I discover via this wonderful Forum http://www.allotment-garden.org/vegetable/calabrese/index.php in fact what I have is Calabrese, and that they produce,  NOT over winter, but the same year. Well Hugh of Riverside Cottage fame what do you have to say for yourself?

[shokkyy]

They were definitely hedging their bets on my seed packet. The name is Broccoli Calabrese Green Sprouting   

The central shoots on them are only getting to about 3" across before they start to spread and threaten to flower, so I have to pick them. And I've been snipping those off for 2 or 3 weeks now and no sign of any side shoots so far. Can somebody recommend a good variety I can try for next year that will give me a nice big fat central head, like I buy in the supermarket? Or can calabrese be grown over winter?

[mumofstig]

It's like this gentle folk, the names Broccoli and Calabrese have become a bit interchangeable

Calabrese is a particular kind of autumn harvest broccoli first grown in Calabria (in Italy) that is green with a tight top head .... simples  anything else is really broccoli.

[sunshineband]

I blame the supermarkets for that -- veg should have it's proper names and then we'd all know what was what  :blink: