broccoli

[pieman]

Howdy

I planted some purple sprouting broccoli seedlings last october, and despite some pigeon abuse over the winter, they appear to be doing well. However, I've noticed that a couple of the plants, though still fairly small, have got some fine looking purple sprouty bits!

I wasn't expecting anything til next spring, so now I'm confused (which doesn't take much). Does it mean the particular plants are finishing and won't last through til next spring (in which case I should quickly harvest my miniature crop now), or should I just leave them and see what happens?

Many thanks for any advice

David

[pieman]

[tim]

See http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,50646.0.html

Ours went in in July.

Pick & eat! Here's some WSB!

[PurpleHeather]

It is just starting to get ready to provide you with a bountiful crop.

Funny stuff PSB. It can be sown any time during the spring and summer and planted out. Usually we do the final planting before August, but  you enjoy your late harvest. We got it last year any time from July onwards.

Pick it, leaves and all. Cook it straight away steam or boil. Treat it like asparagus.

Once the yellow flowers appear. You have lost it.

[pieman]

Thanks for the advice. The plants are only about 10 inches tall, and as I say was expecting to wait another year! Oh well, just have to eat it now  :D

D

[tim]

Strange that they are so small - given the planting date?

[glosterwomble]

It should be sown one year to be harvested the next year, I think you might have got confused with when it would be ready. Also I would say October was a bit late so I think this is why your plants are a bit small yet starting to produce crops. It should be sown now and final transplant by mid to end of summer to give plenty of time for it to make good roots before winter.

You will certainly get something off them this year but maybe not as much as you would if they had been planted earlier last year.

[saddad]

Nine star Perennial (Sic... I know that's not spelt right) produces white sprouts for several years.......  :)