Normal PSB - Perennial?

[OllieC]

I was down on the plot today (and what a fantastic day for it too). Finally my Late PSB is starting to produce and now I've reduced the mouse population, I may well have a harvest next week.

My plot neighbour told me that you can leave PSB in the ground and it will come again year after year. This is the same neighbour who gave me some PSB that produced purple cauli's so although I hesitate to doubt well meant advice, I'm not entirely convinced about the quality of all his info...

I know you can buy "Perennial" broccoli that's good for a few years. This is not that stuff, it's from a packet that says "Late PSB". Any views?

Thanks

Ollie

[OllieC]

[potterfanpete]

Hi - sorry but I've no idea what you're talking about! What's PSB? Bit dumb today!

[allaboutliverpool]

There is no point in keeping purple sprouting broccoli as a perennial. Dig it up when finished, add manure and plant your runner beans. Make sure you put next years broccoli in a different place to avoid club root.

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments2_my_allotment_in_liverpool.html

I have not done a broccoli page yet, but I am eating it!

[potterfanpete]

did u get my email allaboutliverpool?

[allaboutliverpool]

Yes,

I am back in Liverpool Friday night and will rush to the allotment at first light Saturday, I can't wait if anyone had told me when I was 20 that you can be excited at 61, I would hve laughed. I will count the seeds and let you have some.

George.

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments_Vegetables_onions.html

(new page)

[OllieC]

oy! Stop robbing my thread! Thanks for the answers though guys!

[allaboutliverpool]

Sorry about that!

A serious question is how about staking?

My broccoli always end up leaning over no matter how well I firm the ground. In a large bed it may not matter, but in raised beds they fall into other crops. I have tried bamboo canes, but they are like candles in the wind, especially 400 yards from the Mersey.

My solution next year I presume is thik stakes. Does onyone else have this problem?

A photo of the plot and the Mersey can be seen on

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments2_my_allotment_in_liverpool.html

[Tinkie_Bear]

My PSB collapsed but I have just let it get on with it, looks messy but tastes amazing.  I don't know if it's because it's so fresh or what but I have never tasted any so delicious and tender - two thumbs up. 

I too would be interested in the answer to falling over PSB.

Helen

[amanda21]

I finally have some heads on my PSB but they are covered in grey aphids - are these ok to just wash off??   ???  I'm trying not to use chemicals so what can I use to deter them next year - very disappointed as one of my fav. veg.

[tim]

Leaning? You mean...............?? Our gales would have flattened anything. Those had 40 x 40mm stakes.

But still picking after a month. Rain would have helped.


PS Nine Star Perennial is the only one recommended for long term.

[theothermarg]

picking mine right now and i always forget to stake it you can tell the way the wind blows agree with treating it as a annual no point in trying to keep it going, just potting on seedlings for next year shall keep them in pots till they have good roots then plant them deep and remember to stake them.  have grown 9 star it is delish
but takes up a lot of room prefer leaminton for early cauli
marg

[Jeannine]

I have never grown this, I have seeds now but haven't had much time to  give it a thought, have I left it too late to start it  and do I treat it like any other brassica please. Thank you Jeannine

[tim]

Sow away!!

[Jeannine]

Ta.

[Amazin]

Visited Charlie (my plot) today and wow! My PSB has gone mad! It has grown to all of one foot high BUT every plant is absolutely smothered in sprouting shoots. Picked half a bucketful today and plenty left!

Now can somebody tell me - Where did I go right?

;D