Broccoli bolting prematurely.

[caroline7758]

My broccoli has loads of leaves but the heads seem to be bolting before they have formed properly. What could be the cause of this?

[caroline7758]

[Digeroo]

I used to get poor results from brassicas particularly but was recommended to feed them more.  I had rather underestimated just how hungry they are.  They now get a trowel full of chicken pellets and one of BFB per plant on planting out.  A mulch of hot grass clippings and high nitrogen feed.  This is diluted one part to ten and then 1 litre per plant per week.  They take off.  Then another feed of PFB and chicken pellet when I pick the head to encourage side shoots though some varieties are rather shy.

They also seem to like being covered in net curtains which keeps the wind off.

The guy I buy plants from recommends Vitax but I find it rather pricey. 

[tartonterro]

having a similar problem - do you think if i cut out the heads and feed well i will get a second crop?