Grow Your Own Magazine

Bluemchen · #1 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 08:32 PM

One of my Calabrese has a really loose head on it... don't know how else to describe it... it isn't dense and firm like the others.

Any ideas on what the problem is? I planted them all way too close, but I don't think that is the problem, as the rest are all small and firm.

piskieinboots · #2 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 08:57 PM

wind rock? was that one a bit looser in the ground?

I don't actually know but I'm trying to sound smart for when I start my college course in September and if I sound dumb then it's a good job I'm doing the course

Two_Sheds · #3 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 08:48 AM

Piskie might have it there. Brassicas like to be really firmed in well. Loose soil can lead to 'blown' heads, esp.in sprouts.

It's a good idea to earth up your brassicas, also sweetcorn, to prevent wind-rock.

Snadger · #4 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 09:54 AM

Lop off it's head! (Alice in wonderland flashback!)

Odd brassicas tend to vary from the norm for no apparent reason sometimes. Could be growing conditions or even the odd rogue seed thats sneaked in at harvest!

After the central head is lopped off hopefully the sideshoots will be normal!

Flummery · #5 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 12:34 PM

It's unlikely to be loose soil if all the others are firm. Brassicas are rather promiscuous when it comes to cross-pollination if I remember correctly. As Snadger says, could just be a rogue one. Don't take the blame yourself - or at least, only as a last resort!