SF Real Estate

GardenGroupie 7/16/2014, 3:55 pm

Hello

I'm considering what to plant for the fall and since my space is limited to a 4x4 bed (I just don't have the time to manage more space), I'm trying to figure out what will provide a higher yield. I'm going to do more carrots, kale, and spinach, but I'd like to try and grow broccoli. Since it is advisable to only put one broccoli plant in a SF, how many harvests can you get? Once the main head comes off, are there varieties that produce more shoots than others?

thanks,
GardenGroupie

Marc Iverson 7/16/2014, 6:38 pm

Purple Sprouting and Apollo are both recommended for their large supply of side shoots. Territorial Seeds sells Apollo, and recommends cutting the main head small and early so that most of the plant's energy is concentrated on the side shoots.

There's also broccoli raab (rapini), if you want to try growing a broccoli for repeated production of tender shoots and leaves, as well as smallish heads. I don't have any experience with broccoli, but think I'll try to grow the broccoli raab this fall.

GardenGroupie 7/16/2014, 7:46 pm

Marc Iverson wrote:Purple Sprouting and Apollo are both recommended for their large supply of side shoots. Territorial Seeds sells Apollo, and recommends cutting the main head small and early so that most of the plant's energy is concentrated on the side shoots.

There's also broccoli raab (rapini), if you want to try growing a broccoli for repeated production of tender shoots and leaves, as well as smallish heads. I don't have any experience with broccoli, but think I'll try to grow the broccoli raab this fall.

Thanks Marc. I actually tried Raab years ago and found it to be quite bitter. Perhaps it was the way it was cooked - can't remember, but I didn't like it. I do, however, love broccoli.

**donnainzone5** 7/16/2014, 9:31 pm

A year or so ago, someone posted an idea: After the main broccoli head is harvested, cut an "X" in the remaining stem. Supposedly, this technique enhances the chances that the plant will produce more good-sized heads. If not, at least you'll have small sprouts for salads, soups, pasta, etc.

Today, I harvested one broccoli head. Tomorrow, I'll venture out with a sharp knife and.... try to cut additional life into that stem!

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