purple headed broccolli

ancientmum

Please does anyone know if you can eat the leaves of this plant like cabbage? Will cutting the leaves affect the broccolli head in any way, or will it improve the result? This is the first time I have grown these and have healthy looking plants with lots of leaves but no visible heads yet. Thank you to anyone who can help

Farway

You can eat the leaves, but if you cut too many off it will retard the plant

The leaves are not as tasty as cabbage & can be a bit strong tasting & leathery

You will not see purple sprouting heads until next year in the spring

ancientmum

Thank you. I was expecting something this autumn, but will now know that I have to be patient.

pookiewn

It does depend on which variety you have, I have some summer and winter ones. The summer ones I should get some in the autumn, and the winter ones take about 18 months to produce heads.

PharmaAl

I love purple sprouting leaves/broccoli , shreaded finely and cooked with butter and lemon juice for 3 to 5 minutes, yummy....