Mahoosive purple sprouting broccoli plant

[Noosner]

Despite trials and tribulations with cabbage whites this year, one of my psb plants has grown to 5' tall and is sprouting already.

Is it okay to pick from it this early or would you leave it for a bit longer? It has a big central head, a bit like calabrese. I'm assuming this should come off first?

It is my first time growing psb.

[sparrow100]

I was picking it this time last year. Wish I was this year but mine are a bit behind. Yes to taking off the central bit. Sideshoots then start appearing and just keep coming. Congrats!

[Noosner]

I was picking it this time last year. Wish I was this year but mine are a bit behind. Yes to taking off the central bit. Sideshoots then start appearing and just keep coming. Congrats!

Oh, wow, thanks Sparrow100. That's really good news.

[Chippy Minton]

I think it should even be you should, even must pick it, otherwise it'll flower and then go to seed and generally be wasted. Pick it, cook it, eat it, feel smug, sit back and wait for the side shoots

[Lumpy]

Wow - well done thats nearly as tall as I am

[roitelet]

Pick it!! If it has got to that height I would stake it as high winds will knock it over.

Green with envy, love PSB

[Greenleaves]

Wow - well done thats nearly as tall as I am

And a foot taller than VC

[WPG]

I never know when's the right time to cut my winter PSB, till recently found this blog with some helpful photos (scroll down) Based on these I think I've been harvesting mine too early.
Mark's Veg Plot: Harvesting Purple Sprouting Broccoli

[veggiechicken]

And a foot taller than VC

I'd need steps to reach that Noosner Pick and enjoy

[Nicos]

We've been eating ours for the past 2 weeks!

brill isn't it?

* wonders if it will keep going through the Spring though or burn itself out ????

[Noosner]

Pick it!! If it has got to that height I would stake it as high winds will knock it over.

Green with envy, love PSB

Thanks, Roitelet. Yes, I have staked it - I did it earlier in the summer when we got those high winds. It got quite a pasting then but perhaps it's a case of 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'!

[Nicos]

I never know when's the right time to cut my winter PSB, till recently found this blog with some helpful photos (scroll down) Based on these I think I've been harvesting mine too early.
Mark's Veg Plot: Harvesting Purple Sprouting Broccoli

eek!...now I'm wondering if we've been picking too soon too!...ah well- it's REALLY yummy!

[Noosner]

I never know when's the right time to cut my winter PSB, till recently found this blog with some helpful photos (scroll down) Based on these I think I've been harvesting mine too early.
Mark's Veg Plot: Harvesting Purple Sprouting Broccoli

Thanks, WPG, that's an interesting blog, especially as you say, the photos. He seems to have let the spears get pretty well developed and numerous before harvesting.

[Noosner]

We've been eating ours for the past 2 weeks!

brill isn't it?

* wonders if it will keep going through the Spring though or burn itself out ????

Well, yes, that was what I was wondering about picking it now. Oh well, we'll just have to wait and see I suppose! I think, having seen those photos that I might leave it for a teensy bit longer. The head is really well developed, but the side shoots nowhere near what's on Mark's plant.

[Nicos]

To be honest I'd prefer to take them a bit young than let the pesky caterpillars etc much their way through them!

I only steamed mine for about 3 mins and they were a total flavour burst!