Purple sprouting broc

[Messi1986]

Hi, I'm growing summer sprouting, I'm just wondering how big the first central shoot should be before I cut it so the side shoots form? Many thanks

[rustylady]

Cut it when it's the size you want to eat. Sprouting broccoli doesn't produce a huge central head anyway.

[Messi1986]

Cut it when it's the size you want to eat. Sprouting broccoli doesn't produce a huge central head anyway.

Ok thanks a lot

[lainey lou]

I'm growing this for the first time also, I'm planning to cut it as soon as possible as the apparently the side shoots won't begin to grow until its cut. No sign yet tho.....

[rustylady]

Any pictures of your plants Lainey and Messi?

[Messi1986]

Any pictures of your plants Lainey and Messi?

I'm currently at work but I will upload a pic when I get home. They are just starting to put up little purple heads

[Messi1986]

Pic of purple broc

[rustylady]

Don't leave it too long to pick Messi, you don't want those lovely purple buds turning into yellow flowers.

[Messi1986]

Don't leave it too long to pick Messi, you don't want those lovely purple buds turning into yellow flowers.

It's literally just staring to sprout. That is a close up picture of the head. Should I do it today or should I wait untill you can see the head without moving leaves aside?

[rustylady]

Just keep an eye on it. When the head starts to "loosen" if you know what I mean then it is getting ready to flower and needs cutting.

[Messi1986]

Just keep an eye on it. When the head starts to "loosen" if you know what I mean then it is getting ready to flower and needs cutting.

That's great thanks for the advice

[lainey lou]

Wow, they look great Messi! Sorry Rustylady, I can barely work the camera never mind actually get a picture online -it's all a mystery to me!!

[Scarlet]

Here you go RL, a photo of mine! !!
I started harvesting mine last week....

[rustylady]

Lucky you Scarlet. Mine's growing well, but no heads yet.

[Scarlet]

Lovely bit of sunshine last week that gave them a growth spurt. The kids will eat it everyday without turning their noses up - shame it takes up so much space!