What chemical spray is used on broccoli to stop it from developing into seed?

Question

Super market broccoli remains green and fresh for quite a few days. Home grown picked fresh deteriots, wilts, begins to go to flower quickly.

Answer 1

There really isn't a special chemical spray that broccoli growers use to prevent it from going to seed or flower early.

There are 3 important things to remember to avoid early flowering in broccoli;

1) Broccoli that is planted too late in the spring and is subjected to heat-stress will usually flower early.

2) Ttransplanting an oversized seedling usually leads to early flowering..

3) Insufficient amounts of nitrogen will cause early flowering.

4) "Overhardening" (exposing them to too much cold) prior to transplanting, will also cause early flowering.

Other things to remember when growing Broccoli;

Broccoli plants prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimum growth. They love water (keep soil moist) and nitrogen. (Try using fish emulsion and plenty of compost to improve the taste). They prefer cool growing conditions so don't plant when you expect temperatures to be over 90 degrees.

To avoid wilting.... try placing your cut broccoli immediately after harvesting into ice-cold water for about 20 to 30 minutes. This process is called "Hydro-cooling" which allows the broccoli to absorb the water and stay fresher longer.

Hope you found this information useful. GOOD LUCK!

-Certified Professional Crop Consultant with over 30 years of experience and a Degree in Plant Science

Answer 2

all the more reason to eat home grown. It may be the type of broccoli seed commercial grower use. Super Markets can use sulfur dioxide to keep things green but must post a notice regarding this practice because many are dangerously sensitive to sulfur dioxide.

Answer 3

Pick your broccoli when the flower buds are very small and compact on the head -- while they are very immature. May help them stay green longer if the flowers aren't ready to open. Or eat them the day they are picked.

Answer 4

'Roundup' will do it. Brutal but effective !