As many of my regular followers will know, Sprouting Broccoli is one of my favourite veggies. It does have one significant disadvantage though - it takes a long time to grow. About 10 months! So, in order to be able to harvest in the Spring (March and April are the height of the Sprouting Broccoli season here in the UK), you need to sow your seeds in May or June. I sowed mine on 27th May. As usual, I sowed a lot more seeds than I really needed. Here they are, shortly after germinating. (Notice my use of the re-cycled brown plastic tubs formerly used for mushrooms bought at the supermarket.)
When the seedlings had produced their first couple of true leaves (not those kidney-shaped cotyledons, or "seed-leaves") I transferred the best ones to individual 3" or 5" pots.
I now have six each of two different varieties of Purple Sprouting Broccoli ("Red Arrow" and "Rudolph") along with six of Cavolo Nero "Black Tuscany". This is more than I will be able to grow. I expect to use only half of these, but I always like to have some extras to insure against casualties.
I decided this year not to grow any white Sprouting Broccoli, but to try some Flower sprouts "Petit Posy" instead. Unfortunately I sowed them too early and they are already pretty big. I now have the challenge of keeping them in good condition in their pots until such time as I can find somewhere to plant them out. It is supposed to be the place where the Broad Beans are now, but the Broad Beans are later than usual and it will be some weeks yet before they are ready to come out. I'll probably end up transferring them into the big pots currently holding my potato crop.
10months!!! That is so long. You really have patience. When it is producing, how long does the season last?
ReplyDeleteI think we all have a common fault of sowing too early in our eagerness to get going then suffering the consequences. I try to remember to sow a little at a time so I get a long growing period, but it aint easy.
ReplyDeleteNow that is smart. I really must take a leaf out of your book and plan better - and plant more seeds. Lots more. I think from my sprouting broccoli I have three plants that have survived the caterpillars.
ReplyDeleteHome grown broccoli is well worth the wait! Your sproutlings look good and healthy!
ReplyDeleteWow, hows that for organised ;)
ReplyDeleteI have some winder brasicas planted but I've not got any sprouting broccoli yet, I really should do tho cos I love it too...
Wow, I grew broccoli for the first time from seed this year, I hope it doesn't take 10 months to produce. I may have started it too early? Hmm. Good to read your post on this. By the way, your flowers on yesterday's post are fab, some good photos.
ReplyDeleteRe: purple queen beans - I sowed them indoors on 3 April (the grew quickly and very healthy in glass house where they began to flower in May. They were hardened off for a week in May and planted outside 22 May. Once outside the flowers produced beans, but they aren't doing too great outside although still producing. They liked being inside much more (lush plants). Irish weather huh! I've just sowed more seed and might just keep plants inside(?).
I hope with are more successful with over wintering our broccoli next year any we have to eat is courtesy of our plot neighbour!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize they took so long to grow. Interesting process. Hoping for a good over wintering for you!
ReplyDeleteI haven't started any broccoli off for next year, I wonder if it's too late to start some off this weekend. I think I'll give it a go.
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