Question about broccoli

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Loon AuGres, MI(Zone 5b) Jun 26, 2006

I'm growing my first vegetable garden and I have a question about broccoli. When the heads are ready to pick is the plant all done? Do you pull it out or just cut the head and wait for it to grow another head?

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Horseshoe Efland, NC(Zone 7a) Jun 26, 2006

Loon, brocoli will only produce a single head. However, there are some types that, once the main head is cut, will produce side shoots (mini-heads). "Green Comet" comes to mind but there are others that will do that as well.

So, why not just cut the main head and give your broc plants a chance and see how they do w/sideshoots.

Happy Growing!
Shoe.

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bensen Walpole, NH(Zone 5a) Jun 26, 2006

Many broccoli plants will produce a good crop of side shoots with mini heads. Also the tender leaves are very nutritious. When I am down to the last picking of side shoots I will mix in a few leaves. Steam everything until tender, then combine with a can of condensed cream of celery soup in an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with some breadcrumbs and bake at 350 until top is browned.

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Horseshoe Efland, NC(Zone 7a) Jun 26, 2006

Oh my! Benson, that sounds delicious! Thanks for the recipe.

(I'd even add the stalks, peeled. Yummy!)

Shoe.

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Loon AuGres, MI(Zone 5b) Jun 26, 2006

Thank yo Shoe and Benson for your replies. I can't wait to try that recipe too!

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bensen Walpole, NH(Zone 5a) Jun 27, 2006

If you're going to use the stalks make sure they are the small ones as the older ones can be tough. If I'm using some stalks I will steam them for about 15 min. then add the remaining broccoli with the leaves and finish steaming until tender. You can also use the little heads that are starting to flower, as they taste just as good.

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