I was wondering if broccoli has to be pruned and, if so, how do you prune them? Thank you.
I want to grow broccoli, kale, and cauliflower from seed for the spring. I have a greenhouse. When should I plant the seed for the earliest possible transplant?
These articles will help with growing broccoli, kale and cauliflower: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/how-to-grow-broccoli.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/kale/growing-kale.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cauliflower/growing-cauliflower.htm
I planted broccoli seeds about two months ago in 18" clay pots and while the plants have grown well and look healthy, I still don't see any signs of broccoli yet. I'm worried that I may not be doing something right because the plants are growing continuously and are about 8" to 10" high, constantly bringing out new leaves and yet there are no signs of the heads forming. The temperatures here in Karachi are roughly 26 degrees C. max and go to about 10 at night. There is ample sunshine from morning till about afternoon in the space where the pots are placed. I water them generously everyday. Have I missed out on something or just being impatient? Thanks for your help.
26 degrees C. may be a bit too warm for them. They form heads in cooler weather, and best in temps below 22 degrees C. You can help to encourage them to form heads by keeping the roots cooler. Since you are growing in containers, I have heard of people putting a few ice cubes on top of the soil during the day to help keep the roots cool and encourage head forming.
I live in North Carolina and planted broccoli plants VERY late. They have heads and they are small - from the size of a quarter to about 2 - 2 1/2" around. They have a slight purple hue (color). Should I take my chances and let them try to get larger or should I pick now and eat, or can I eat - not sure why they have that slight purplish hue?
You may want to try blotting the cut end right after harvest and get them into the cold in your fridge as quickly as possible. Actually, to keep them crisp, you want to keep them as dry and as cool as you can quickly as possible.
After a broccoli plant is full grown, will it harm the plant from producing well if you were to cut back 2 or 3 inches off of the ends of leaves, so maybe you could grow more plants in smaller area? Will cutting leaves hurt plant too much?
It likely will not hurt the plant, but be aware that anytime you trim the leaves of a plant, you are exposing it to potential entry points for disease.
What is the best pesticide to spray broccoli with against caterpillars?
Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/worms-in-broccoli-caterpillars-in-the-broccoli-head.htm
The next day after harvesting my broccoli, the heads are wilting. How do I stop that so they stay crisp?
If you cannot eat it right away, you'll have to store it in the fridge or freeze it soon after harvesting from the garden. To store it, mist the heads, wrap loosely in damp paper towels and refrigerate. Make sure to use it within 2-3 days. Never store broccoli in a sealed plastic bag, as it requires adequate air circulation. To freeze broccoli, wash thoroughly and cut the florets and stalks into pieces. Steam or blanch these for about five minutes. Plunge into icewater, drain and place in sealed freezer bags or containers. Frozen broccoli can be store up to 12 months.