Pinching out middle broccoli?

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Freedom_Spark, Jul 21, 2009.

  1. Freedom_Spark

    Freedom_Spark Gardener

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    Hi everyone, I planted a few broccoli plants this year and a few of them have developed broccoli in the middle, someone mentioned that this should be pinched out to encourage side shoots so the plants will produce more broccoli. Is this the case & if so how soon should the first broccoli be taken out? :cnfs:
     
    Freedom_Spark, Jul 21, 2009
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  2. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    You must wait until the first central 'spear' has formed and cut that off to eat before the buds start to open into flowers. Then side shoots will start to form in a few weeks and these can also be cut off and eaten.
     
    JWK, Jul 21, 2009
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  3. Freedom_Spark

    Freedom_Spark Gardener

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    Is the spear the stem of the broccoli? Here's one of the plants at the moment, should I let it get much larger? Thanks for the advice.

    [​IMG]
     
    Freedom_Spark, Jul 27, 2009
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  4. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    That is the spear FS, and its ready now. If you leave it a couple more days some of the buds will open into yellow flowers. After you cut it off soak it in salty water for 1/2 and hour, just to get rid of any bugs lurking in there. Then its ready to cook.
     
    JWK, Jul 27, 2009
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  5. Freedom_Spark

    Freedom_Spark Gardener

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    Thanks for the advice JWK! I was tempted to let it get a little larger but I don't want the buds to open out. Will the sideshoots produce bigger broccoli or is it all going to be smaller than what is available in the shops? I'm glad I'm getting any from my first attempt at growing anyway, can't wait to try it this evening!
     
    Freedom_Spark, Jul 28, 2009
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  6. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    The sideshoots will be smaller than the first central one, but you should get quite a few of them in the long run.
     
    JWK, Jul 28, 2009
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  7. Manteur

    Manteur Gardener

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    Hi F-S,
    I'm sure you will enjoy it. Get used to tasty fresh veg like this for a month or two and going back to the shop stuff will be a horrible comedown.
     
    Manteur, Jul 28, 2009
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