[Code Red]

I'm trying to grow some broccoli this year for the first time, Calabrese and Early Purple Sprouting.  I started them out in a propagator initially, then transferred them outside about three weeks ago.

They seem to be growing well, however there's one thing that concerns me about their health - a large proportion of the crop has a skinny little stem coming out of the soil, which then widens into a much healthier looking stem :





 :blink:

Is this normal?

Any suggestions appreciated...

[Aunt Sally]

Bury them deeper.  Up to their first true leaves would be fine.

[DD.]

I'd re-plant and bury that skinny stem, you should just about get away with it.

You will no doubt now have learnt the lesson that brassicas do not want a propagator. They are very hardy plants and no doubt intially grew leggy.

A cold greenhouse or cold frame is as much as they need.

[Code Red]

I'd re-plant and bury that skinny stem, you should just about get away with it.

You will no doubt now have learnt the lesson that brassicas do not want a propagator. They are very hardy plants and no doubt intially grew leggy.

A cold greenhouse or cold frame is as much as they need.

Yes, lesson learned... I lack either a greenhouse or a cold frame and as the weather didn't pick up as early as I expected they were kind of jostling for room!