Is my sprouting broccoli beyond saving?

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Engelbert, Aug 20, 2016.

  1. Engelbert

    Engelbert Gardener

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    Hi all

    It's my first year of gardening after a long hiatus, and I'm learning a lot (loads of which is thanks to you guys).

    One of the things I've learnt is that standard garden netting is not sufficient to keep butterflies away from brassicas! I now have some scaffold debris netting and will swap the existing stuff for this. What I wondered though is whether the sprouting broccoli in the photos is too badly damaged? Or can it be saved if I put the new netting on this weekend (and pick off any caterpillars that are on there now?)

    As ever - huge thanks :)

    Max
     

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  2. Phil A

    Phil A Guest

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    Worth a go. I overwinter mine so I can get a crop in the spring before the butterflies are about.
     
  3. Engelbert

    Engelbert Gardener

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    OK, I'll give it my best shot. I'll get the caterpillars off and put the new netting on today.

    Thanks for the reply.

    (PS - I might be back later with some more general sprouting broccoli questions).
     
  4. Engelbert

    Engelbert Gardener

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    Hi

    Back again with those questions... :)

    I've read that you need to cut off the florets if they are flowering. The only florets I have had so far are weedy, small and on very long stringy side stems, and they have almost instantly flowered. So...

    1. If I do need to cut off the flowering florets, at what distance from the stem should I do it? Does it work like cut and come again, or once I have cut is that it?

    2. What can I do to help my broccoli have more substantial florets?

    Any other general tips would also be most helpful.

    Many thanks

    Max
     
  5. john558

    john558 Total Gardener

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    Hi Max I have the same problem regarding some flowering, too dry perhaps, oh I don't know:cry3:
     
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