Sprouting Brocilli........

[River Cottage]

Hi,

Planted some seeds in small trays indoors a few weeks back.
A few have shot up to about 2 inchs high but are now falling down due to the weight I guess.

What do I need to do next ?? Replant in bigger containers etc etc ??

Regards
Richard

[Two_Sheds]

Wrong time of year to be sowing broccoli, River.
Mine were sown in April/May, and are now 3 foot tall.

[vicky]

Sorry, it is the wrong time of year!
However, you can eat the leaves like cabbage and the whole plant too if they're little - think Microcrops - very trendy!
If you have a greenhouse or coldframe you could try potting them on and putting them out there...although I'm not sure how much hope I'd have for them doing much but dying...!

[Birdie Wife]

Hi,

Planted some seeds in small trays indoors a few weeks back.
A few have shot up to about 2 inchs high but are now falling down due to the weight I guess.

What do I need to do next ?? Replant in bigger containers etc etc ??

Regards
Richard

They shot up because they were searching for the light - then fell over because they couldn't support the top weight. There is so little light at this time of the year that this is almost inevitable. You can manage it a bit by making a reflective surface like a piece of cardboard wrapped in tin foil or painted white, and putting the seedlings in the lightest place in the house with the cardboard behind them - but read the packet carfelly to find out what seeds can be planted this time of year. Traditionally, onions sown on the shortest day can be harvested on the longest day

[River Cottage]

Many thanks, I thought I read to plant these in winter ??
Must have got confused, so light is the big thing to keep them upright.

Will try the tin foil idea.

Regards
Richard

[Two_Sheds]

Many thanks, I thought I read to plant these in winter ?

Nope. You eat them in winter (well, late winter)

[nemo]

i grow purple sprouting broccoli called bordeaux f1.it is sown in early spring and it can be harvested from July-august the same year,smaller broccoli but a lot faster

[Smuff]

i grow purple sprouting broccoli called bordeaux f1.it is sown in early spring and it can be harvested from July-august the same year,smaller broccoli but a lot faster

In a similar vein, I grew purple arrow this year and I'm cropping just now. It's a bit odd as it usually comes in spring. Is that 'it' for those plants, or will they have a second growth in spring?

[johnty greentoes]

Was given some white sprouting broccoli plants recently - and have planted them out a week ago. The label said this was OK. Will they get anywhere?

[Flummery]

They might. Sowing them now is not worth it - planting them mebbe - they'll grow again in Spring so you should fill the 'hungry gap ' (in the garden, not your tum!) Depends on the season - and the type. You get Early and Late.

[Snadger]

........................................................................
Mine were sown in April/May, and are now 3 foot tall.

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