Comments on: Feeding Broccoli

By: Ed Bruske

Ed Bruske — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:06:52 +0000

Emily, I think it’s pretty well established that broccoli are “heavy feeders.” Exactly how that is to be addressed, however, is the question. But as you say, the leaves are a consolation prize in case the heads to form.

Bronwyn, I think common practice is a good guide to follow as opposed to guess work. There may be a number of factors involved, such as the presence of other macro-nutrients besides nitrogen, or the micro-nutrient boron, or the spacing between plants. Keep trying seems to be good advice in this case.

By: bronwyn

bronwyn — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:06:21 +0000

I am suspecting that broccoli might want to be less well fed. Last year my broccoli was OK – nothing stunning, but OK. This year I have tiny heads that I can ring with my thumb and forefinger, and the only difference is that I spread a load of rich compost this year. I know that some plants try harder to breed when their nutrients are low (seeds get carried somewhere else which might be richer in nutrients), so maybe this is the case with broccoli also.

By: espringf

espringf — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:30:28 +0000

Are you sure they need more food? What if, like potatoes, lots of fertilizer makes them overly-leafy, and not produce heads?

As a consolation prize, you can eat your broccoli leaves like collards; they are actually more nutritious than the heads.