Q&A for How to Grow Broccoli

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I have loads of leaves and stems but no florets! Do you have to do something to get the florets to develop?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

You may have too much nitrogen in your soil. Nitrogen encourages leafy growth and can limit fruit production if there is too much.

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Question

Can the small leaves and stalk of the broccoli be eaten?

Community Answer

Yes. They are quite good.

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I am growing broccoli in a greenhouse and the underside of the leaves is a violet color. What is causing this?

Community Answer

It could be because there is something wrong with the soil or fertilizer you have. You should check the pH of the soil and fertilizer.

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Will broccoli kill me?

HumanBeing

Top Answerer

Only if you have a very serious broccoli allergy.

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Question

We grew a huge broccoli plant but it produced only a very small head of broccoli. What did we do wrong?

Community Answer

It could be due to too much nitrogen in your soil or your soil may be too warm and cause bolting (growing tall and flowering).

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I'm regrowing a broccoli from scraps. It started growing a little floret first, it looked like loose broccolini, and now it is sprouting little yellow flowers. What does this mean?

Tabby Elmore-Haber

Community Answer

Your broccoli is bolting (making seeds!). Once the yellow flowers fall off, a little pod will form and seed will be inside the pod. You could let them dry and have seeds for next year.

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Do I cover the broccoli with upper leaves when growing it?

Tabby Elmore-Haber

Community Answer

No. Covering the head of the plant with its own leaves is called blanching (some plants are self-blanching). Blanching is typically done to cauliflower to protect the white curds from getting sunburned and turning a greenish-brown color and tasting bitter.

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Question

Can I grow broccoli in a tropical climate?

Community Answer

Broccoli is the most warm-hardy of the brassicas and the best for planting in tropical and subtropical climates.

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