I planted my purple sprouting broccoli in the Autumn. It has grown but I've still not seen any sign of actual broccoli. Is it too late now or do I just need to be patient.
There are a few possible problems. Check each one of your growing conditions against the info in this article - soil, sun exposure, fertilizing, etc. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/how-to-grow-broccoli.htm
If all of these conditions are met, and there are definitely a few of them, then perhaps patience is in order. Also, if you've had any extreme temperature fluctuations lately - a heat wave or a cold spell, this could affect your broccoli's growth, as well.
This is my first year growing broccoli under floating row cover. Also this is my first year growing the Belstar variety.
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. I am unable to see the damage. It sounds like it could either be wilting, or light deficiency, though.
Hi! I am new to gardening and happen upon your website when looking up companion planting for broccoli. The article for broccoli companion planting states to not plant with cauliflower. When I went to the article on companion planting for cauliflower, it says broccoli is a good companion plant. So…..which one is correct? Can they be planted with each other or should they be separated? Thanks!
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I will get the editors to address the situation. For reference, though... It would seem that they are not directly enemies. They are closely related, and will not have much of an issue, but they will compete for space and nutrients. As long as you address those issues, then they should be able to grow in proximity.
Nice post thanks a lot
Why does my broccoli have brown spots growing on it ? Are they insects? What can I do. Thank You.
Here are some possibilities:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/managing-leaf-spot-on-cole-crops.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/common-broccoli-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/protecting-broccoli-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/common-broccoli-problems.htm
Bought a summer cropping variety-summer purple- but it produced very little in the summer and autumn but is looking good now. Is it safe to eat now?
It should be safe to eat if there are no spots, or other signs of disease and has not flowered. Purple sprouting broccoli likes cool weather and takes a long time to mature. Even though yours was a summer cropping variety, purple sprouting broccoli is traditionally produced over winter.
If it tastes okay and is not bitter it should be fine. Here are articles about purple sprouting broccoli:
https://acmg.ucanr.edu/Over_the_Fence/Purple_Sprouting_Broccoli/
https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource002708_Rep3997.pdf
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/tbt/history-sprouting-purple-broccoli-plants
I grew my broccoli in net tents, with floors to protect them from such invaders and yet.......I went out today and there were dozens of those little green invaders completely destroying the little head of broccoli I have been cheering for (it was my first). The tents had very tiny holes, zipped up and had an attached floor. How did these pests get in?????? I protected them so well (apparently not)!! My strawberries (also in net tents) have all come down with an aphid invasion. I am guessing tents dont really help?
Sounds like you did everything right with the net tents — zipped, fine mesh, even with a floor — but those tiny green pests still found a way in. Insects like cabbage worms and aphids are persistent and can sneak in through the smallest openings or even hitch a ride on your hands, tools, or seedlings before the tents are sealed. Aphids especially are small enough to squeeze through fine mesh or even be born inside the tent if eggs were already on the plant. Tents can help reduce infestations but aren't foolproof. For added protection, inspect plants before tenting, use sticky traps inside, and consider companion planting with herbs like dill or nasturtium to deter pests. A quick rinse with insecticidal soap can also knock back early outbreaks.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/homemade-aphid-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/companion-vegetable-garden.htm