How To Harvest Broccoli - When To Pick Broccoli

Harvest broccoli in the morning, when the buds of the head are firm and tight, just before the heads flower. If you do see yellow petals, harvest immediately, as the quality will decrease rapidly. Cut heads from the plant, taking at least 6 inches of stem. Make a slanted cut on the stalk to allow water to slide away.

1. How do I know when broccoli is ready to harvest?
2. How many times can you harvest broccoli?
3. How big should broccoli be before harvesting?
4. Can you still eat broccoli when it starts to flower?
5. What month do you harvest broccoli?
6. Does broccoli come back every year?
7. Should you trim broccoli leaves?
8. How long do broccoli plants last?
9. What are the stages of broccoli growth?
10. Why are my broccoli heads small?
11. Why is my broccoli bolting?

How do I know when broccoli is ready to harvest?

You'll know broccoli heads are ready when they're deep green with small, tightly packed buds. Harvest broccoli right away if it starts to flower or turn yellow. Side shoots will continue growing after the main head is harvested. Harvest side shoots when they reach their ideal color and firmness.

How many times can you harvest broccoli?

In general, broccoli plants can be harvested two or three times or for a period of up to three months. The plant first produces a large center head. This head should be cut at a slight angle with 5 to 6 inches of stalk. Once cut, the plant will produce smaller side heads for several weeks.

How big should broccoli be before harvesting?

It generally takes around 100 days for plants to reach maturity. Though size can vary widely, a good general rule is to harvest when the heads have reached about 4 to 8 inches in diameter. Check your seed packets for notes on maturation rates and sizes. You want to make sure to pick the heads before the flowers open.

Can you still eat broccoli when it starts to flower?

If you missed out on harvesting your broccoli at the tight bud stage, all is not lost. Even with the bright yellow flowers open, you can still harvest your broccoli. The tender stems, leaves, buds, and flowers of the broccoli plant are all edible. ...

What month do you harvest broccoli?

When to Plant Broccoli

Broccoli is cool-season crop, so it should be started in late winter or early spring (depending on your climate) for an early summer crop, or in mid- to late summer for a fall crop.

Does broccoli come back every year?

Broccoli is a hardy biennial grown as a cool-season annual. ... Broccoli forms single or multiple flower “heads ” of tiny blue-green flower buds. The flower heads are eaten before they bloom; buds open to tiny yellow flowers. Broccoli will bolt and go to seed in warm temperatures or when daylight hours lengthen.

Should you trim broccoli leaves?

Once you have harvested all the side florets from your broccoli plant (at a certain point the plant will either run out of side buds for production or just wear out from having everything taken from it), go ahead and trim out the rest of the leaves as well as the central stalk, much of which is truly delicious as well ...

How long do broccoli plants last?

Broccoli grown from transplants matures and is ready to harvest in 55 to 80 days after transplanting. After the heads are harvested, the plant will live and continue to produce side shoots for several weeks, or until temperatures get too high or low.

What are the stages of broccoli growth?

Broccoli develops a stalk and mature leaves before producing the flowering top. Broccoli plants mature for harvest in 50 to 65 days after planting. Transplant broccoli as early as possible in spring after the last frost date and when the soil temperature warms to 60 or 65 degrees F.

Why are my broccoli heads small?

One reason for a broccoli not forming heads or producing small heads is timing. ... Just as excessive heat may cause the broccoli to bolt, plants may button if they have been exposed to cold weather. Buttoning will cause the plant to produce tiny heads as will stress — like lack of water or nutrients.

Why is my broccoli bolting?

When broccoli gets too hot, it will bolt or start to flower. Contrary to popular belief, hot weather will not cause bolting broccoli. What actually causes bolting broccoli is hot soil.