-=> Quoting Sandra Peake to Marilyn Boissoneault <=-
SP> Broccoli, a cole family member, flowers and goes to seed easily in
SP> the same year. As long as it doesn't get too hot, too fast, the seeds
SP> should be viable. Broccoli can actually be set out after well
SP> hardening off, as a small seedling long before frost ends. Although
SP> timing is everything, you might be able to start broccoli seedlings
SP> anytime, and set them out in Feb, or whenever your expected big
SP> freezes are over. Not frost...freezes. (Whenever the temps dip below
SP> freezing and remain there for several hours.)
That's true, I'd forgotten about broccoli, it does flower quickly.
But I usually use a hybrid so no point in saving seeds there.
Actually January is the last planting month for broccoli here.
Spring usually arrives about the middle of Feb, then starts
warming from there.
SP> If you don't expect any of those, why not set your broccoli out
SP> shortly, and you'll be hopefully harvesting a crop in two months,
SP> just when everyone else is thinking of starting some. :-)
I do usually put some out in Jan to replace the stuff I ve had in
the ground since Sept.  I might be a little late though since I
forgot to start the seeds!  I seem to be behind schedule in
everything! 
 
SP> But you MUST harden it off quite well, being prepared to lug the
SP> seedlings in during that period if a heavy frost threatens. After
SP> they have spent several days in full sunlight, and maybe a couple of
SP> nights as well, they can be planted in prepared soil and mulched. For
SP> your peace of mind, if a heavy frost threatens, you can always toss a
SP> blanket on them for overnight. :-)
Well I don't have to worry about the hardening off with broccoli,
I just start those in little 6 packs outside. The wx is usually
perfect for them. I need to start my tomato, pepper seedlings
soon though. Those have to be inside and then hardened later.
Things are kinda diff down here in the sub-tropics.
Marilyn
... It works!  Now, if only I could remember what I did...
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