Store all cole crops in the refrigerator. In hollow stem, the main stem is hollow but the inside of the stem is not de-cayed. This is caused by a combination of factors, including low soil pH. Proper spacing and the application of boron will help reduce the problem. Another problem that can be serious is tip burn and internal browning. Insect problems include imported cabbageworm, cabbage loopers, diamondback moth larva, corn earworm, and cabbage aphids.
Flea beetles can severely damage small seedlings.
It is important to control the insects before the heads start to develop. Most diseases are not usually very serious to broccoli, except black rot. Other disease problems include downy mildew, bacterial head rot and soft rot. Cauliflower is affected by the same diseases and also has problems with Alternaria brown spot. Head rot can be very serious on cauliflower.