[Spanky855]

Hi Everyone

Just coming to the end of my first year of growing and I have had some excellent results   .
One thing that puzzled me was the Broccoli. Started to grow well then suddenly sprouted.
Did I leave it too long before harvesting ? Also when you harvest the first head does that them promote new growth.
As always any help is much appreciated.

Regards

Lee

[spinny]

Hi Lee

You shouldn't be picking sprouting brocolli yet - not usually till after Christmas.  If you mean 'Heading' brocolli or calabrese then yes, removing the central head will encourage side-shoots.

When you say that it started to grow well then suddenly sprouted, what were you expecting to happen?

spinny

[Spanky855]

Sorry

Probably did not make myself clear , its calibrese, when the head started to grow I left them growing thinking that more would start growing from the sides etc.
But thanks anyway, you answered my question.

Lee

[muntjac]

the more you crop spanky the more should come until the cold slows it to a stop .then come spring it will go on sprouting again  i use all the lot up till march including both sprouting brocoli's ,,    pick the stems before the flowers open .  microwaved calabresse for 6-8 mins depending on size ,the bigger it is the longer of course

[gobs]

Hi, Spanky,

You were expecting bigger heads, I suppose, small cauliflower size, they quickly go into flower, harvest them, even if it seems to much, they freeze well, and then you get the little sproutings, as said.