Question about Broccoli

Question: This is the 3rd year that I have had a garden. I am still learning. So far my gardens have been mostly successful. In the past my broccoli grew thin and tall with small heads that I was able to harvest. This year I planted a different seed expecting a normal head close to the ground.

The actual plant is in the photo listed. The plant is 3.5 ft tall with a 2.5 in diameter stalk with no head in sight. What's the scoop?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2023, 11:38 AM EDT
response: Hi Clifton, thanks for the question.   The plant looks very healthy. There are several things that can cause your broccoli to not head.  Temperature can be a problem; however, I suspect that you may be looking at one of two things.  First, if too much nitrogen is added to the soil you may not get the flower head since the plant is happy it doesn't have to reproduce. Another reason is the time to maturity.  This can be somewhere between 55 to 70 days (give or take based on growing conditions). Do you know what the variety is. I look forward to your response.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2023, 11:55 AM EDT
response: Yes, I planted the seed in Mid April inside of my house Until mid May. After that, I transplanted it to the garden. I also have a second plant that is very much the same. I would guess that I am entering near 60 days in the garden. In addition, I planted cabbage and lettuce heads that I have harvested. They have been exceptional ( 3 of each). During the spring, I buried walleye remains between every plant in my garden to include, sweet hungarian ( 4), bell peppers ( 4), cucumbers (4) and 7 different tomato plants all seem to be growing well.  On Wed, Jul 12, 2023 at 11:38 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2023, 6:23 PM EDT
response: Hi Clifton, Thanks for the additional information.  The variety can make a difference, some are better in the heat.  You may be just fighting the heat or just not there on the maturity. It is also true that nitrogen deficiency can also cause the plant not to head (as can too much).  Other nutrient problems could be at play.  A soil test (Home | MSU Soil Test) can help you get the best pH and nutrient balance for your garden. Check out the following link: Growing broccoli in home gardens | UMN Extension

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 12, 2023, 11:10 AM EDT
response: Thank you for all of your information. I do have another question. When tilling my home garden in the fall, is there a fertilizer that I can apply that will help prevent weeds( crab grass and others) next spring? The garden is roughly 14'x14'.  On Wed, Jul 12, 2023 at 6:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied September 12, 2023, 2:12 PM EDT
response: Hello Clifton We have different experts in different areas such as trees, flowers, vegetables, soil, and more. Also, we keep a “count” of how many questions in each area we receive. This helps our management understand the importance of our services and supports the funding for them. So, would you please submit a separate, new question for each query you make including this one about preventing weeds in your garden? I appreciate your understanding, and we look forward to helping you with your  garden questions! Regards Laura S. Ask Extension administrator

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 13, 2023, 9:17 AM EDT
response: This may seem like a silly question. Do you have a link , i just cant remember how I started this process. On Tue, Sep 12, 2023 at 2:12 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 13, 2023, 9:46 AM EDT
response: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert