My broccoli looked great and then I went away for 4 days, and when I came back it grew about 6 inches and has started flowering. Is it too late? This is my first time growing broccoli. Is there anything to do? Thanks Erin
It is bolting. This article will explain more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/bolting-broccoli-growing-broccoli-in-hot-weather.htm
What do I do after my broccoli bolts? Is it still edible?
Unfortunately, once broccoli bolts, it quickly becomes inedible as it will taste extremely bitter. To keep plants that are prone to bolting, they need to keep their soil cool. Mulch helps. This article will help you with planting it in the future: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/bolting-broccoli-growing-broccoli-in-hot-weather.htm
I know it's too hot but they were growing so I left them alone. Will they continue to grow leaves with no heads and should I just pull them out?
They don't develop heads for the same reason they bolt, which is the heat. If you follow the advicein this article to prevent bolting, it will help with head formation: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/bolting-broccoli-growing-broccoli-in-hot-weather.htm
What animal will eat my broccoli floret?
There are a few that could do it. It really depends on the damage you are seeing as to what it is. If the head is bitten off completely, this is likely deer. If you are seeing burrows or dents eaten out, it is likely cabbage loopers.
We live in MN. Why does my broccoli have a white chalky substance on it? We have an organic garden.
If they are chalky, it could be the type of water your are using. It may be mineral deposits building up on the leaves. Watering with a distilled water will stop this.
If they are fuzzy, this is mealybug and this article will help you treat it, as will neem oil, which is safe and effective: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mealybugs-white-residue-on-plants-leaves.htm
If it's more powdery in nature, then powdery mildew may be the problem. Neem oil will help with this too. Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/powdery-mildew-homemade-and-organic-remedies.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I just want to know if broccoli can still be consumed after it has bolted or if it should be disposed of.
You can try to eat it, but it will be tough and bitter. This article will help with information on how to keep broccoli from bolting in the future: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/bolting-broccoli-growing-broccoli-in-hot-weather.htm
I planted Broccoli Rabe seeds directly in my garden in mid August. Plants are approximately 18" high and appear very healthy. To date, (October 2nd, ) I am not seeing any florets. When should they appear?
Strange, you should have seen something by now as most are mature within 40-90 days at best. How are the temps where you are? If it has been unusually warm, this could be what is causing the plants not to develop florets. Nothing much you can do for this other than mulch good to keep soil cooler.