Help! my broccoli has bolted

[lilyjean]

I acquired my allotment 18 months ago. For the first year I concentrated with preparing the ground before focusing with planting. Earlier in the year I planted broccoli seeds and they germinated beautifully. To my amazement small heads appeared. I was absolutely thrilled. During the hot spell I made sure they were watered every night. The heads began to grow. But, unexpectedly to my horror, they  bolted... :( Before the hot spell I used comfrey liquid; only once. I'm now wandering perhaps I shouldn't have used this type of liquid or did I over water them? Or was it just the hot weather?

jupiter

[lilyjean]

[kt.]

I'm now wandering perhaps I shouldn't have used this type of liquid or did I over water them? Or was it just the hot weather?

Probably a bit of all three.  The heads only last around 2 weeks before bolting.  They do not stand well.  There are varieties that will stand a week or two longer.    Feed for brassicas is best given when main leaves have grown but before the heads form.  Once the head forms it is usually too late for the feed. 

Next time sow little and often.  I sow / plant around 8 per month from March - Jul.  Then sow 36 for harvesting over winter into spring.

[lilyjean]

Thank you! some useful tips  :) My instincts told me to pull out the broccoli but I felt it was too soon. I was hoping the head would grow larger. O well something to add in my journal!

[Tee Gee]

Don't pull it up!!

Cut the tops off at the base of the flower and they may throw out secondary heads/florets.

[lilyjean]

OMG!!! you're gotta be kidding me.......too late   :( I've just come home from the allotment with the pulled up broccoli....poo poo and poo!!  <deep sigh>