Harvesting Broccoli

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Harvesting Broccoli

Question

broccoli Hi Mike, bit of a newbie question; when do you know a broccoli head is ok to pick (and eat)? I've attached a photo of my current plant:

Thanks! Gabs

Answer
You want to harvest the head when the florets forming the head are still tightly packed. The size of the head should be similar to what you would purchase in the grocery store, normally 4"-7" wide. If you wait too long, the florets start separating and turning yellow.

Once the head is completely formed and you are ready to harvest, cut the stem 5"-6" below the head with a sharp knife. That's all there is to it. As an added bonus, if you leave the plant in the ground after harvesting the main head, it will form multiple mini-heads a few weeks later. These are great for salads or for snacking.

I hope this answered your question. Enjoy your harvest!

Regards,

Mike

Growing Vegetables: replace sprinkler head; Harvesting Seeds from Impatients; planting around a well head; Bt; Potatoes; Carrots; Seeds; Cucurbits; Broccoli: Planting, Growing and Harvesting Broccoli Plants; Cauliflower: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Cauliflower Plants

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