Can you save leggy broccoli seedlings?
Broccoli seedlings that are so leggy they have fallen over can be saved by being cut back. Cut the young plant back to its first true leaves, cover the roots and stem with supplemental top soil, and stake it if necessary.
Why are my broccoli sprouts so tall?
Broccoli grows tall and starts to flower in order to form seeds and complete its reproductive cycle. This happens in response to stress, and extreme soil temperatures. Sometimes broccoli will grow tall and bolt before the broccoli has a chance to form a large head.
What do you do when your seedlings are too tall?
Put a small fan next to your seedlings on a timer so that the plants are blown in the breeze for a couple of hours a day and gently passing your hand over the tops of seedlings a few times every day to stimulate stronger growth. Some leggy seedlings can be saved with modified transplanting techniques.
How tall should broccoli seedlings be?
Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, or set transplants slightly deeper than they were grown originally. Plant or thin seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart in the row and allow 36 inches between rows. Broccoli plants grow upright, often reaching a height of 2 1/2 feet.
Can you bury leggy seedlings?
Can you bury leggy seedlings deeper in the soil? Generally, yes, you can plant leggy seedlings deeper in the soil to help compensate for the extra-long stems! However, avoid the temptation to plant them deeper right away, when they’re still very young and tender.
Will leggy broccoli produce a head?
To grow well, broccoli needs full sun, or a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. Plants that grow in shade naturally reach for what little sun they can find, often becoming leggy when they should be forming heads.
How tall should seedlings be before transplanting?
about 2-3 inches high
As noted above, make sure that your seedling is about 2-3 inches high before transplanting. We also recommend transplanting a seedling after its two “true leaves” first come out. True leaves are the leaves that grow after the initial seed’s cotyledon leaves come out.
Can you plant broccoli seedlings deeper?
Once you’ve examined your new growing spot and determined that it’s the best for your seedlings, they’ll need to be replanted. A deeper and larger tray is needed to transplant the seedlings, and compost-rich soil should be added.
How big should broccoli seedlings be before transplanting?
In about a month, the seedlings should be a couple of inches tall and ready to be transplanted into your garden or larger, permanent container. Before planting broccoli seedlings, make sure the soil in your garden is tilled to a depth of 6-8 inches.