As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can share with you some insights on the temperature at which broccoli stops growing. Broccoli is a cool-season crop, which means it thrives in cooler temperatures and can be sensitive to heat. If the plants are not in the ground in early spring, they will quickly bolt once the temperature starts to rise.
Bolting refers to the process where the plant prematurely starts to produce flowers and go to seed. This is not ideal for broccoli, as it is primarily grown for its edible flower buds and tender stems. When broccoli bolts, the heads do not form properly, and the overall quality and taste of the crop may suffer.
To avoid bolting and promote proper head formation, it is important to plant broccoli early in the spring when the soil temperatures are still cool. The ideal soil temperature for planting broccoli is around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 18 degrees Celsius). At this temperature range, the plants have enough time to establish themselves and develop healthy heads before the heat of summer sets in.
However, it’s worth noting that soil temperature is just one factor to consider when growing broccoli. Air temperature, sunlight exposure, and moisture levels also play a role in the plant’s growth and development. Therefore, it’s important to create the optimal growing conditions for your broccoli plants.
If the soil temperature rises above 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius), broccoli plants are more likely to bolt and not form heads properly. This can happen if the plants are not in the ground early enough or if they are exposed to prolonged periods of hot weather.
In my personal experience, I have seen broccoli plants suffer from bolting when I planted them too late in the spring. The warm temperatures caused them to quickly go to seed, resulting in smaller and less desirable heads. To avoid this, I now make sure to plant my broccoli as soon as the soil is workable in early spring.
Alternatively, broccoli can also be planted in the fall, depending on your climate. In cooler regions, planting broccoli in late summer for a fall harvest can be a great option. The cooler temperatures of fall provide an ideal environment for broccoli to thrive without the risk of bolting.
Broccoli plants stop growing and may bolt if the soil temperature rises above 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). To ensure proper head formation and avoid bolting, it is best to plant broccoli early in the spring when the soil temperatures are still cool. Additionally, consider other factors such as air temperature, sunlight exposure, and moisture levels to create optimal growing conditions for your broccoli plants. Alternatively, planting broccoli in the fall can also be a successful option in cooler regions.
