This is the first year I have been successful at growing broccoli, and I owe it all to starting my seeds indoors under grow lights. Earlier this spring instead of planting broccoli seeds in the garden and hoping for the best, I chose to plant my seeds indoors instead. And it made all the difference in the world.
In years past, if I was lucky, I would get a few shoots here and there. But this year, holy canolies man, it’s a totally different story. These are real heads of broccoli.
Up here in the Pacific Northwest, we have to contend with a lot of rain and slugs, which isn’t exactly the best combination for a successful garden.
But by getting a jump start and planting the seeds indoors under lights, and then later moving the broccoli seedlings to the greenhouse until they gained a bit of bulk, it really helped this year.
Which brings me to how do you know when the broccoli is ready to harvest?
Simple.
- Size – Broccoli heads should be 4 to 7 inches wide {mine were 4″}
- Color – Rich, deep green heads
- Tool – Use a sharp knife to cut broccoli stem about 5 inches from the head of the broccoli
- Continued Harvest – You should be able to harvest side shoots of broccoli from the plant for a few weeks after the initial harvest of the center head. These side shoots won’t be nearly as big, but they sure do taste good.
Okay peeps, now what? I’m was thinking about making a batch of stir fry for dinner tonight, but then what? Does anyone have any other exciting ways to eat broccoli? Do you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share? Help!
Okay, I have to go move feed the chickens now. See you later alligator.
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Christa says
i have grown broccoli a few times from seed in the garden and its done great, but i wonder if i am starting too late in the season, or letting it go too long, because shortly after i get nice big heads on them….it seems they are overtaken by aphids :(. do you ever have this problem? oh, forgot to mention i grow mid summer. maybe thats why they say grow early spring or in the fall?
Leanna says
I love broccoli salad.
We are not big on measuring but it basically is:
1/2 cup mayo
1 tsp sugar
2 Tbsp vinegar
2-3 cups chopped broccoli
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup sunflower seeds.
Mix all together and put in fridge for a couple hours.
Heidi says
Oh ya! My mouth is watering. This is an awesome recipe. Mine also has a bit of red onion and chopped bacon. I’ve brought this recipe to pot lucks etc. and at first people look at it like “yuck, broccoli” until they try it and then they are hooked for life.
Leanna Thompson says
Yep, this the way I like broccoli best. I hardly eat it cooked.
Kristina says
I steam broccoli and then dump some Italian dressing on it and OMG it is so good!! Thanks for you blog by the way, It’s really helpful!! Have a nice day:-)
Krista says
I like to do broccoli-garlic packets on the grill. You just use a sheet of foil, throw your broccoli spears on, chop up some garlic and throw that on the broc, drizzle on some olive oil, a pinch of salt & pepper, wrap the foil up and then poke some holes in it to get a bit of smoky grill flavor. Chuck it on the grill (gas or charcoal) and turn it a couple times till it’s done to the tenderness you like.
Zoe says
Roasted broccoli….toss with oil, salt, pepper. 425 degrees for 10 – 20 minutes or til a bit charred and just starting to soften. That’s what we’re having this evening along with new potatoes with brown butter and coleslaw. Yum.
Ashley says
I second roasting the broccoli! My husband and 2 year old are really picky about veggies and they love it. When my daughter begs for more of something that’s green, you know it must be yummy :p
Kay says
definitely roasted! Oven or grilled – it’s delicious with lemon juice, olive oil, salt…yum!! that salad is certainly a winner, too!
Andrea says
Roasted with a little olive oil, salt and pepper, and sliced garlic cloves. Once out of the oven zest a lemon over the broccoli and then squeeze lemon juice over broccoli. Add some fresh grated parmesean cheese and basil.
Mamalala says
The pampered chef chicken and broccoli wreath is my crowd pleaser and very easy.
Leanna Thompson says
Oh yeah that one is sooo…good.
Kim says
I love oven roasted broccoli too, but I splurge sometimes and make broccoli beef from PDub’s site. Its crazy good!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/11/jadens-beef-with-broccoli/
Helen in Meridian says
You look like Pippi Longstocking or Heidi.
Jen says
Oh boy! Broccoli is the BEST! My favorite way is on shishkabobs!! You wouldn’t think it, but barbecued broccoli is the most delicious thing on the planet 😉
Michelle says
Second year gardener here. Trying a bit of everything. We live in Southern California and its been very warm this winter. My broccoli began to bolt. So I had to harvest small heads but they sure were tasty! Not sure if the side shoots will go too. I wanted to thank your readers for all the great broccoli cooking tips!
I went on over to the Fast Growing Trees website and looked around a bit. There are so many trees I want! Thai is not a simple task 😉 I decided on a 4 in 1 fruit tree! Can you believe one tree will give you 4 different fruits?!