We have broccoli growing in our winter garden for the first time. How cold can broccoli take it? We have covers and insulation and can do what's necessary but I don't want to do more than is necessary since it shares a bed with kale, parsley, and spinach. The lettuces and Chinese cabbage are in other beds and we try to protect them from below 25 degrees (also mesclun mixes), although I think they could take it a little colder. I don't want to stress any of the plants. Thank you.
This hardy plant can typically take cold temps from 20-25 F, so you can pretty much care for it as you would your other winter crops if it falls below this--cold frames/tunnels and mulching.
I did read through another question on these, but our worm was not described. This is our first attempt at growing broccoli and really disappointed. The worm was white and had fuzz all around it but I don't think it was part of the worm. It was inside in the middle of the stem and up toward the flowers. Since we cut the stem from the plant, I am assuming it starts at the bottom and works its way up. The whole middle of the stem was yucky with what looked like chewed up plant and fuzz. Since we have several other plants, what can we do to prevent these or even kill them? The plants were beautiful and green and very hardy looking so we really had no idea there was any type of infestation. Thank you.
It is possible that it is a cabbage webworm. The young larva are yellowish-gray and then as they get older they get stripes. This article will help:
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/2811/2811-1022/2811-1022.html
Are the leaves of broccoli good to eat?
Also, I have about 9 broccoli plants all the same size but only 2 have heads, one head about 5 inches and the other 2 inches.
You can eat the leaves. Just treat them like collards or other greens. They are very good prepared this way.
They will not form heads if it is not cool enough. Try to keep the roots as cool as possible to help form heads. Mulching will help with this.
I have several beautiful broccoli plants. They are about 20 inches (tall/wide) fully leafed. BUT there is NO SIGN of a bloom. I have separated the center leaves, nothing. They have been planted over a month. We are in San Diego, weather has bounced from cool to a few day inn the 80s. Is there a way to "force" a bloom? Last year all was beautiful and fruitful.
Broccoli will not form a head unless the temps stay cool. You can help keep it cool by mulching around the base. But other than that, you have to hope that Mother Nature cooperates and sends cool weather.
Is it ok to eat blooming broccoli?
You can eat it, but it will be rather bitter. Most people do not like the flavor.
What do you do if your broccoli has already bolted? Can it still be harvested?
Once a plant has fully bolted, the plant is normally inedible. The plant’s entire energy reserve is focused on producing the seeds, so the rest of the plant tends to become tough and woody as well as tasteless or even bitter.
For more information on bolting, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/what-is-bolting-what-it-means-when-a-plant-bolts.htm
How long after those first sprigs can I keep harvesting? Is there a time that I just pull the plant and start a new one? My broccoli doesn't seem to get much more than a stem of broccoli here and there. I live in Florida so it is hot here.
Brocoli is a considered a cool weather crop so in your warm weather this may be a challenge for you. You can certainly cut your broccoli as it forms and your plants may send out more side shoots.
Here is a few articles with excellent growing details.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/bolting-broccoli-growing-broccoli-in-hot-weather.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/how-to-grow-broccoli.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/harvest-broccoli.htm