What is what to do when broccoli flowers?

When broccoli flowers, it's a sign that the plant is bolting, which means it's prematurely going to seed. Here's what you can do:

• Harvest Immediately: The most important thing is to harvest the broccoli head as soon as you see yellow flowers. While the taste and texture might be a bit more bitter and less tender, it's still edible. Don't wait, as the flavor will continue to decline.

• Cut Off the Flowering Head: Use a sharp knife to cut the head off just below the flowers. Even if some florets are still tight, harvest them along with the flowering ones.

• Consider Side Shoots: Even after the main head is harvested, your broccoli plant might produce smaller side shoots. Keep watering and fertilizing, and you might get a second, smaller harvest.

• Edible Flowers and Leaves: The flowers themselves are edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish. The leaves of the broccoli plant are also edible and can be used in a similar way to kale or collard greens.

• Why Did It Happen? Bolting is often triggered by environmental stress, such as hot weather, inconsistent watering, or nutrient deficiencies. To prevent bolting in the future:

  • Choose bolt-resistant varieties.
  • Plant at the appropriate time of year (usually early spring or late summer for a fall harvest).
  • Ensure consistent watering.
  • Provide adequate nutrients.
  • Consider providing shade during heat waves.

• Seed Saving: If you let the broccoli plant continue to flower and mature, it will eventually produce seeds. You can save these seeds for planting next year. However, if your broccoli bolted due to stress, the seeds might inherit this tendency.

Here are the links to important subjects:

• Harvest Immediately
• Edible Flowers and Leaves
• Why Did It Happen?
• Seed Saving