PSB in July?

[Mushy Pea]

Hi Folks,

One of our PSB has come into flower. Is this normal? We thought they wouldn't be ready until early next year.

We've eaten it anyway.  ;D  Very nice too.

[Mushy Pea]

[tim]

Normal - if it's the Summer variety!

But it's a strange looking head.

[Mushy Pea]

Hi Tim,

What does a "normal" head look like? This is the only one we've seen. Was it OK to eat?  ???

Normal - if it's the Summer variety!

We'll have to check the packet. I'm sure it was for picking in Jan/Feb.

[OllieC]

Did you keep a record of the name, the sowing date & the planting date?

Yes, it was fine to eat!

[allaboutliverpool]

Once again we are back to the old problem of a plant thinking it is time to go to seed.

Possibly it has been planted a little early, or perhaps it has been too dry.
In any case, I would just go ahead and eat it?

[Suzanne]

Did you buy Bordeuax extra early purple sprouting broccoli?

[tim]

MP - I was a bit out of date with that remark - so many new varieties are now available.

We have always been used to a plant that produces tender stems - the best part! - with a small head.

Yours looked as though it had gone to seed but I see that there is a variety that behaves like that - http://www.rhs.org.uk/Learning/publications/pubs/garden1003/broccoli.asp

[Mushy Pea]

Hi Folks,

Sorry for such a late reply. The seeds were part of a mixed bag from B&Q. The only info given was " Purple Sprouting Broccoli. Planting Feb/March for harvesting March/April."  ???

This we assumed was the following year. I think Tim and Allaboutliverpool are both right and this has just gone to seed. Will it give more flowers next year or is it for the compost heap now? :(

[shaolin101]

One out of about 8 that i have did the same. I cut them off in the hope it might postpone itself but more grew - the others all all doing ok though - getting bigger than i thought but no purple so hopefully next year they will give me something!

[tim]

I would say that there is every chance that it'll come back in the spring - or earlier..

I had a row of Calabrese that was stunted, some dying, & gave a few 3" heads in April. I let them be & the survivors are giving some 5x3" heads each.