 |
| Purple Sprouting Broccoli "Rudolph" |
 |
| Purple Sprouting Broccoli "Rudolph" |
This particular plant is the strongest of the batch and is already 105cm tall. Some of the others (the ones that only just survived the Cabbage Root Fly attack) are much smaller, though still growing strongly in the current weather conditions.
Overshadowed by the biggest of the PSB plants is a rather diminutive Cavolo Nero. This one got off to a really bad start, being all-but killed by the fly, but it pulled through and is struggling on. I don't expect it will ever be particularly strong, because it is not getting much light.
 |
| Cavolo Nero "Black Tuscany" |
In the bed next door the Flower Sprouts are also making good progress. Their sprouts are just like loose versions of the traditional Brussels Sprouts. Since the plant is a cross between Kale and Brussels Sprouts I expect the taste will be a mixture too.
 |
| Flower Sprout |
Never having grown this vegetable before, I'm not sure when I should pick the sprouts, but I'm certainly going to let them get a lot bigger before I harvest any.
Even if the sprouts don't come to much, the tops of the plants are looking pretty luxuriant. I expect they can be eaten just like Cabbage too. Certainly the Brussels Sprouts tops are often sold as "greens" at the end of the season when all the sprouts have been picked.
 |
| Flower Sprout |
Here's a philosphical question: would the tops of these Flower Sprouts be marketed as "Purples"?
Goodness what early PSB, looking good too. I like the idea of the flower sprouts and I would definitely call the tops 'purples'
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested to see how your posy sprouts perform.
ReplyDeleteyes, that PSB is early. Hm. You'll have to report to us on how the flower sprouts taste. They look very interesting!
ReplyDeleteI am quite envious of your flower sprouts - they look very fancy. Nice that you are having a mild autumn, although the dry doesn't appeal. I saw a show on tv last night presented by an English farmer (cross tv star!) on chickens, and the grass was so green there that I think I would grow if I stood still long enough.
ReplyDeleteI love a good green rolling hill.
I haven't even thought about checking on the psb as it never really comes to anything till March - but as you say it's been a funny year. Trouble is that its the hungry-gap plant, if it flowers now what will we eat early next year. Life's full of problems!
ReplyDeleteYour broccoli sprouts look wonderful and I am very interested to hear how the flower sprouts do.
ReplyDeleteThe flower sprouts look interesting, I look forward to hearing what they taste like.
ReplyDeleteI like your purple sprouting broccoli - the plants look a much more normal size than the monsters mine became. Perhaps I will try it again with a different variety.
ReplyDeleteEarly Christmas present. Pretty brassica foliage today.
ReplyDeleteWow. I will now go down to the allotment to check on my purple sprouting broccoli. My sprouts are about the same size as yours and I'll leave them to fatten up. I am rather looking forward to the lush greenery at the top of the sprout stem.
ReplyDeleteI have just found your blog and love the photos.
Hi backlanenotebook, and welcome! It's always nice to have new visitors.
ReplyDeleteHow do you cook your Sprouts Tops? Do you use them just like Cabbage?
Glad you are having a mild Autumn to extend your harvest. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteOooh, lucky you with PSB. Were the plants from seed or did you buy small plants?
ReplyDeleteYou asked about my white mustard - it's just for green manure. I hadn't thought of eating it. It looks a bit coarse by now, so I guess I've missed my chance if I was going to include it in salads.
Definitely purples! Should make a good addition to a dish once the rest has been eaten. Look forward to hearing what the flower sprouts taste like.
ReplyDelete