Should broccoli leaves be cut back?

[snoogans888]

My fiance's sister is growing broccoli (the normal type as far as I know) in a raised bed and the leaves are MASSIVE! They are blocking the sun from getting to any neighbouring plants, so she wants to know if she can cut back some of the biggest leaves.

It has started flowering.

Many thanks for your help.

Mandy x

[mor]

its depends on what types you have planted and how far they grow ?

do you want it to flower or collect seeds?

yes you can cut back some of the bigger leaves

[snoogans888]

I don't know exactly what type she is growing - unfortunately she is on holiday for another week so I can't ask her!

When I said it has started floweing I meant it has started to grow as broccoli (sorry I am so new to gardening I don't know the correct terminology!).

I will advise her to cut some leaves then, thanks for the advice.

[paulsherwin]

Remember that the plant is getting energy from the leaves, so if you cut them back you may end up with smaller plants.

You can eat broccoli and calabrese leaves in the same way as spring greens or cabbage. Some people even eat them raw as a salad but the uncooked taste doesn't appeal to everybody.

Paul

[snoogans888]

Thanks Paul.

She did keep asking me if she could eat the leaves!

I guess she will just have to decide if she wants to sacrifice some of her broccoli for the greater good of the other plants! At the moment you can't even see the peppers growing next to the broccoli!

[jlottie]

Leave the leaves alone, the plants need them to produce the heads. Once the main head has been taken out give them a good feed and they should start producing smaller side shoots and heads They do need plenty of room to grow. Any yellowing leaves should be taken off though.

[snoogans888]

Hi jlottie, thanks for the advice!