If broccoli develops flowers early, the reasons are often care mistakes or a suboptimal choice of location. Finding the bugs is important so you can prevent them in the next crop. Despite the uncomplicated growing conditions, care is important.
Mistakes in care are usually to blame if the broccoli blooms prematurely
This is how vegetables grow
Like cauliflower, broccoli is a flowering vegetable because the florets of the closed inflorescences form the edible part of the plant. In contrast to the related light-colored cabbage, the flower buds of this cruciferous plant are well developed and clearly visible. Harvesting takes place before the buds open.
Premature flower development
If the winter cauliflower blooms too early, gardeners speak of shooting. This happens under unfavorable site conditions and with incorrect care. Broccoli needs certain stimuli to flower. An unusually warm climate in spring causes a premature growth spurt, causing the plant to bloom prematurely. Cold periods after early planting in the bed also encourage the vegetables to develop more quickly. Last but not least, the supply of water and nutrients plays an important role.
Expectations
The vegetable prefers deep soil that is loose and has a high humus content. Lean and sandy soils can be improved with compost. Evenly moist substrates ensure constant growth. A higher lime content promotes plant health. Algae lime is well suited to adapting the environment. When choosing a location, make sure that the bed is in a sunny area of the garden.
How to support growth
An application of compost directly before planting ensures a sufficient supply of nutrients. The heavy feeders value further fertilization as soon as the first flowers can be seen. To avoid growth disturbances, you can supply the plants with diluted nettle manure six weeks after planting out or shortly before bud formation.
Keep the soil constantly moist. If the substrate dries out, the flowering vegetable reacts quickly with premature flowering. The risk is particularly high in hot and prolonged dry periods.
harvest
The growing season of broccoli spans 14 to 15 weeks. The harvest takes place after seven to ten weeks, although late autumn varieties need a little more time to be ready for harvest. Breeds that mature over the winter will produce yields in the coming season after six months.
When are the heads ready for harvest?
When a flower has developed, consisting of distinct and swollen flower buds, the Harvest window opens. The broccoli heads should still be fully closed. A yellowish tinge and loose shoots indicate an overripe condition. At this stage of development, the vegetable has an intense cabbage flavor that can become unpleasant. Cut off the central bud so that more secondary roses develop on the thinner side shoots.
tips
Hose the cabbage down the night before harvest. How to remove insects and soil particles.