Troubleshooting
Broccoli problems — and how to fix them
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Bolting straight to flower
Heat or stress on young transplants; sow earlier or choose heat-tolerant varieties.
Tiny "buttoning" heads
Cold check on young plants or poor soil; feed and water consistently.
Caterpillars
Cabbage whites; mesh covers from late spring.
Clubroot
Acidic wet soil; lime and rotate.
Hollow stems
Boron deficiency or fluctuating growth rates; consistent watering helps.
Prevent broccoli problems before they start
Most broccoli issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Broccoli problems — FAQ
Why is my broccoli bolting straight to flower?
Heat or stress on young transplants; sow earlier or choose heat-tolerant varieties.
Why is my broccoli tiny "buttoning" heads?
Cold check on young plants or poor soil; feed and water consistently.
Why is my broccoli caterpillars?
Cabbage whites; mesh covers from late spring.
Why is my broccoli clubroot?
Acidic wet soil; lime and rotate.
Why is my broccoli hollow stems?
Boron deficiency or fluctuating growth rates; consistent watering helps.