[hubballi]

As I have had limited success with kale this year (still very small) I have taken to cutting off the odd few sprouting broccoli leaves which taste really as good as cabbage and other leafy veg.

It's a shame to not utilize all parts of food instead of just the purple sprouts in Spring.

Will this have a detrimental effect on the harvest in spring if I take leaves sensibly ?

[mumofstig]

well, you are reducing the food supply to the plant. You may get away with this while the weather is mild, but I wouldn't do it when it's cold, or in the spring when you want the plant's energy focussed on making sprouts.

[sarajane]

well, you are reducing the food supply to the plant. You may get away with this while the weather is mild, but I wouldn't do it when it's cold, or in the spring when you want the plant's energy focussed on making sprouts.

I  too would much  prefer to leave the leaves on, to feed the plant and look forward to a better crop of broccoli in the spring.

[sunshineband]

Sprout tops are useful when you have a eaten all the sprouts 

Broccoli leaves are nice too, but the plant needs as many f them as it has to grow spears tbh

[hubballi]

Surely the odd one here and there won't do any harm ? They are massive plants.

[sunshineband]

I didn't realise you had any massive plants Habbali, sorry.

A couple wouldn't hurt I suppose, but you need a fair few to make a meal