The broccoli plants have already developed plenty of leaf mass. However, there is no trace of the flower buds, which are collectively known as florets. The wait for the harvest seems never-ending. What's the reason why broccoli doesn't develop a head?
Why doesn't broccoli form a head?
Broccoli will not form a head if thenutrient compositionof the soil isunfavourable. In order to form flowers, broccoli also needs apH valueabove5, 5 Sometimes the missing head is due to a climate that is too cool or the respective broccoli variety is just forming very small florets.
When does broccoli usually form its florets?
It usually takes from sowing to harvesting the florets or head7 to 12 weeks The exact time depends on which type of broccoli was planted. Summer varieties grow faster than autumn and winter broccoli. A summer variety can usually be harvested in July, whereas autumn varieties only develop their heads in September/October. Anyone who has planted winter broccoli will have to wait until the following spring and will not harvest a compact head, but rather many small florets.
How does a nutrient deficiency affect broccoli?
A nutrient deficiency in Brassica oleracea can result innot forming a flower headThe reason is that broccoli is a heavy eater that relies on a lot of nutrients to grow and bloom. Therefore, add compost to the soil before planting the broccoli. In the following weeks (first four weeks after planting) you should fertilize the plant regularly, for example with nettle manure, compost soil or vegetable fertilizer.
Why is the pH value of the soil crucial for broccoli?
Broccoli needscalcareous soil in order to grow and bloom properly. A substrate that is too acidic (pH below 5.5) prevents the formation of flower buds (pinch heart). The reason is that an acidic substrate lacks the trace element called molybdenum. This is part of the enzymes that broccoli needs to bloom. A solution to such a problem is liming or enriching with seaweed lime or rock powder.
Can climate cause broccoli to not grow a head?
The climatecancan have aadverse effecton the head formation of broccoliIs it for For example, if it's too warm in spring, broccoli shoots and only produces lots of small florets, but no big head. If it is too cool in summer, flowering can be prevented. Furthermore, dryness is also a factor that has an unfavorable effect on head formation.
What factors does broccoli need to form a head?
To form a flower head, a broccoli plant needs above all a goodnutrient supply, awarm climateand evenmoisturein the ground. Make sure all of these factors are met and plant a broccoli variety that actually forms a head and not just lots of side shoots with little florets.
What trick is there if the broccoli head is too small?
If the flower head of the broccoli is very small,cut itSimply cut it off. To cut the bud in half, use a sharp knife and wait a few weeks.new side shoots will form, which will be filled with florets and which you can harvest.
Tip
Broccoli without a head - no case for disposal
A broccoli plant without a head does not have to be thrown directly into the compost. You can harvest the leaves of this plant and also use them for consumption. They are considered even more nutritious than the flowers.
