Allotments 4 All

Something I keep meaning to ask, but then forgetting. Just out of curiosity.

Where and when do brassicas flower? I assume they must flower at some point being as I know they produce seed...

My kale is just showing buds so it must go into the heap.  They flower at the top of the stems, little yellow flowers.

And that is the time to get out the shredder,kale is all but over as is the early sprouting brocoli.

April is indeed the cruelest month-only a few things to harvest-but never a wasteland??

Stephan

Yup, my nero kale has all gone on the heap, the brocolli is fast approaching it's last picking, and the pink kale is starting to go, one more pick I reakon.  Spinach all gone, 'snips all gone, salsify and scorze all gone.  Last 4 leeks and 6 spring onions still sitting there with the lovely chard and spring cabbages which are slowely begining to heart up.  Slim pickings until the salads kick in, but we have good reserves in the freezer.  ;D

If you are not growing f1 varieties is it alright to collect the seeds from allowing a specimin or two to run to seed or is there a reason why I shouldn't?

Interesting.

Most brassicas are over when they bolt.

But we harvest the flowers of broccoli and calabrese and cauliflower just before they open.

It couldn't do any harm to save some seed and see what they produce.