This year, I planted my broccoli with low expectations. But, somehow, they survived. It may be because I planted the seeds towards the middle of my plot, mixed in with hardier mustard greens. Perhaps the bugs were so distracted nibbling on those greens that they never got around to chowing down on the broccoli seedlings. Whatever the reason, I now have some lovely broccoli crowns developing.
And now I'm wondering... how do I know when to harvest them? I'd like to let the crown grow as large as possible. But I don't want to wait so long that the broccoli goes to seed. Do you just have to guess, or is there some secret to broccoli timing someone can share with me?
Maybe I'll ask for tips tomorrow at the Freedom Garden event I'm attending. Eric over at Ramshackle Solid tipped me off about this film screening and pot luck, and I'm really looking forward to meeting him and other like-minded LA folks on Sunday evening.
Nice! I have no advice, because although I had every good intention of planting a winter garden this year, I got distracted by two pups who consumed all my time! I'm about to start my tomato seeds indoors, though.
Oh! I just noticed that I'm on your blog list! Thank you! I don't maintain one, because it would be so long that I would be profoundly embarrassed. (But you are on it!)
I'm in Eagle Rock - must be something about the weather, we got some broccoli for the first time this year too. I made the mistake of waiting too long, waiting for it to get to grocery store size. I suggest harvesting before you think you should -- ours stayed on a bit too long and while it hadn't gone to seed, the stalk was tough and the crown a bit past prime. Wah.
Btw - thanks to you/your blog, I finally successfully encouraged my husband to get chickens. We now have 8 in a brooder (three weeks and counting 'til coop time). Thank you!
Hey, I tried to post a comment on monday but it wouldn't let me. It was great meeting you guys on Sunday. I don't think we got your email but you can email us from the link on our blog.
As far as the broccoli it should get up to about 8 inches wide before it flowers but if we get consistently hot weather it might go. I've heard it's best to harvest in cooler parts of the day or the broccoli will wilt quicker. You can give it an ice bath when you pick it to make it last longer.
BTW - have you guys seen this site? I like there work. http://produce-design.com/projects/