How do you blanch broccoli two weeks before harvest?
Broccoli is typically not blanched on the plant. This is typically only done with cauliflower. But, if you want to blanch, you just cover the head. This can be done either by covering the head with a bag or tying the outer leaves up over the head. Blanching a broccoli will result in a yellowish head and milder flavor.
When I harvest broccoli, should I soak the heads to keep them fresh?
If you're not going to use the broccoli right away, then It is best to store it in a cool, more dry place, like the vegetable drawer in your fridge.
Can you eat broccoli flowers?
They are edible, but very bitter, so you may not like the taste of them.
I have been told to cover my broccoli when watering to keep it from flowering, is this true?
No, it is not true. Water on the heads does not cause bolting. Bolting is typically caused by the roots getting too warm. This article will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/bolting-broccoli-growing-broccoli-in-hot-weather.htm
Last year I froze the best broccoli we have ever raised. I did not blanch.
Blanching vegetables prior to freezing halts the enzyme action to prevent vegetables from degrading and becoming tough, thus preserving nutrional value. Freezing has the same effect as blanching. While everyone has differing views about blanching, you should know that you can still eat the broccoli without any issues. But it's stay in the freezer will be limited as opposed to those that are blanched. You will need to use the unblanched broccoli within 6 weeks (florets) to 3 months (stalks). Broccoli that has been blanched can remain in the freezer for up to 8 months.
My broccoli plants are flowering without ever producing heads. What can be do? I live in Grand Junction, CO and it is hot this year, over 90 most days.
The broccoli is bolting. Unfortunately, after they bolt, there is not much you can do but plant them again. To keep plants that are prone to bolting, they need to keep their soil cool. Mulch helps with this. This article will give you some tips for keeping them from bolting in the future:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/bolting-broccoli-growing-broccoli-in-hot-weather.htm
It is my first time growing broccoli and one plant has already flowered while I was on vacation. Should I cut the tall flowering one down? The other plant looks like it might be one I could harvest. . . it looks like broccoli in the middle.
It is bolting. This article will explain more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/bolting-broccoli-growing-broccoli-in-hot-weather.htm