Topic: Calabrese broccoli question

[star10]

I have some massive broccoli plants in my raised beds, which have just started growing tiny little broccoli's in the middle. (I'm so proud!!)  ;D

Having never grown these before, I was wondering can the leaves be taken off the plant or trimmed back abit?, would this make the broccoli grow any better? Also, are the leaves edible?  ???

Thank you for your replies xx

star10

[SMP1704]

I leave the calabrese to do their own thing but I do cover with enviromesh as I'm not too keen on maggot protein with my greens :-X :-X

As with cauliflower, I remove any old lower leaves that are looking a bit tired but other than that I let them get on with it.

[antipodes]

I don't recommend the leaves, they are kind of tough and not very tasty (from a mistaken trial last year where romanesco broccoli was mistaken for green gabbage ha ha).
I would take off any leaves that look a bit tired, I think it gives better growth to the broccoli.

[kt.]

I have heard some people tie the leaves over the head of broccoli to promote a firm growth and prevent it from blowing.  I have not had much look with Calabrese before but have some in again this year.  Yet to see what harvest brings..... :-\