We've only grown broccoli for 2 years. The first year we got one picking of the main heads and one of the secondary heads and then they were done. This year we have gotten 5 pickings and more small heads are forming! I'm not complaining at all, I'm just wondering if the first year is normal or is this one is normal? I'm not sure how many to plant for next year.
According to our experiences with broccoli, this year is normal--having the main head, and then side shoots for quite a while. For us, the side shoots get smaller and smaller, until we just don't bother with them and uproot the plant. Broccoli freezes really well!
I hate those big ugly bugs we get here on broccoli. EWWW they're Ugly with a capital U! (But I do really LOVE broccoli. One of my most favorite veggies)
I still have the packet of seeds I started these from so I'll know what to get for next year. I've package 58 small (2 person) packages from 12 plants so I'm really happy!
