[baabamaal]

Hi

probably a stupid question, I have six broccoli plants from last year that are still growing- very woody stems, but leaves are growing well.
My question is, if I lift them, clean off the soil and plant them in this year's brassica patch (using standard rotation), will they grow on? My fear is that they may harbour pests from last year or that they may lack vigour when it comes to flowering. I'm a great believer in reduce, reuse, recycle so I'd be interested to see if they would last a second year!

thanks

[Lius]

Hi baabamaal,

Are you related to baabablacksheep? Anyway with regard to your Broccoli, why move them?

I have Broccoli (Ironman F1) I grew from seed and transplsnted into my raised beds at the start of November, see photo, excuse the snow.12 of them (front of bed) did well and sprouted heads on 21 December (2nd photo), the stems are nice and green, I should have some spears to eat soon.

You should be looking at the same kind of heads developing on yours. The only time I get woody stalks is on summer plands that are finished and going wild. It does not sound like it is worth bothering with those plants, they will probably bolt if they start to form spears.

[Greengage]

No dont move them as i think thay look too advanced and may not take on transplanting

[baabamaal]

Ah! That was what I suspected- they would only bolt if let grow on.

They are hardy looking plants you have growing there Lius!

Thanks for advice people, just thought it was worth a shot

[tippben]

I'm into Senegalese music. Welcome! Regarding the broccoli- you have some! Eat it. That may stimulate the plant to bolt, which means new flower heads, and therefore more food. I've tried using the leaves and stems in stock, but found the taste incredibly bitter. The flower heads are the only bit I'd bother eating.