Broccoli

[shaggysgirl]

Hi,
This was our first year with a big veggy garden, mostly it is doing great ;0
But my Broccoli ewww DH put rubber bands around them and the heads look awful they are loose and just funky looking. Has anyone here ever done that with good results? His buddy told him to do that. the chickens did like the Broccoli but we didn't eat any of it ourselves.

 

[Greenthumb18]

Broccoli is a cool season crop great for harvesting in the fall, it probably got too much heat and didnt perform well. You could plant them now for a fall harvest.

 

[lesa]

It sounds like your broccoli bolted. We eat it like that all the time- it does not look pretty- but it tastes fine. We even eat a few flowers- no harm in it. Those lovely heads of broccoli you buy in the store are a special seed. Once you cut those heads, you won't see any more fruit on that plant. I plant a type that will grow side shoots, after harvest. Check you seed packs. As far as I know, the rubber band trick if for cauliflower ( to keep it white). I have never heard of doing it with broccoli...try it again (with no rubber bands) as greenthumb noted it is a cool weather crop..Don't give up- Good luck!

 

[digitS']

Ditto what Lesa said . . . (blanching broccoli??? Buddy mixed up broccoli and cauliflower.)

I can't grow broccoli in the fall. It's too hot and dry here during late summer and fall.

Packman and Premium Crop varieties have been early enuf for me to enjoy broccoli in July every year from transplants. There will be just a few more side shoots but the season is really over for me.

It takes a careful watch - eat 'em when they look just ready . . . don't hesitate, especially during hot weather .

Steve

 

[Rence]

I don't know about your zone, but here in zone 6 I just sowed some broccoli last month. I hope it turns out well. I've never been able to grow it in the summer...