My first planting of broccoli is beginning to head, but we're already seeing near 90 degree temps for the next few days. What can I do to best help my plants through this high heat spell? Should I mound them up, or just mulch them heavily? Extra water, and if so at what time of day? Some shade maybe?

I don't know that any of that will help, but if someone says, yes, I'm on board!

I ate some lunch, thought about it, and decided to deep-mulch it...with just a bit of straw over the top of it, too. I guess I can just pull some away if necessary when the weather cools a bit.

If I've only succeeded in trapping more heat by doing this -somebody please yell!

90 degrees should not hurt your broccoli as long as it has water. Broccoli can't take July/August heat here but we are talking 100 degrees +. We can get 90's in April and it does not hurt the broccoli.

farmerdill said:90 degrees should not hurt your broccoli as long as it has water. Broccoli can't take July/August heat here but we are talking 100 degrees +. We can get 90's in April and it does not hurt the broccoli.

Thank you! So consistent water will help to keep them from bolting...yay! That I can do.

I had glanced through some of your broccoli photos in the DB to try to see if they were mulched, but didn't see a lot of it.

I really appreciate your help!

The heat does not cause them to bolt. Broccoli is supposed to bolt, it is the seed heads that most of us want. At high temperature the large leaves lose water rapidly and wilt to the ground. The plant can't do much growing at that point. Yes I do sheet mulch and it helps. Seldom shows in photos here is a row of cauliflower which illustrates the way I do it. I use yard waste ( leaves and grass clippings).

I guess I used the wrong term. In the past I've had plants that just sent out one or two blooms, no full clusters of buds. That's what I'm trying to avoid. I likely didn't water those enough, right?

Thanks for the picture! That's what I used as mulch too, (before I added the straw) saved leaves and grass clippings.

My brocoli haven't even begon to make heads yet.

Mine are wee-little yet, but I'm thrilled to have gotten this far.




Dark speckles on the leaves is an animal deterrent.

Brocoli is easy to grow. Not to worry.