Broccoli
First photo shows three main heads. Two are gorgeous and the other on the small side. Broccoli is actually flowers that have not opened yet. If you do not harvest broccoli at the right time, they will produce yellow flowers that the bees LOVE.
Once the main head, small or large, is harvested most broccoli will continue to try to make flowers/seeds. Look for a broccoli variety that is known for its "side shoots". These shoots continue throughout the winter in SW Florida and provide MORE broccoli than the main head. So a small main head is of no major issue with me because I know I will get tons more broccoli from that plant.
Second photo shows that I chopped up the stem for soup, kept some stems for salads and dipping, the rest will be steamed for dinner.
Growing broccoli (same as cabbage)
Direct sow in garden. Move 4-6 week old plants so that they are spaced
to accommodate the size of the plant. Reference the seed packet for this
information. When transplanting, make sure to put LOTS of water in the
new hole and water afterwards. Transplants can be placed as deep as
their seed leaves (not true leaves). Best time to transplant is on a
cloudy day.
Main issues with broccoli are caterpillars. Hand pick and destroy or use
Bt / bacillus thuringiensis which is available at most big box stores.
Look for the caterpillar on the label.
First Harvest.
