Plant guide:ðŸĨĶ Broccoli
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Roots

Damping Off in Broccoli Seedlings

Commonly affects: Brassica oleracea var. italica (Broccoli)

Seedlings collapse suddenly at the soil line shortly after germination, with a thin, water-soaked, pinched section visible at the base of the stem.

Potential Causes

  1. 1Pythium or Rhizoctonia fungi thriving in overly wet, poorly-ventilated seed-starting conditions
  2. 2Overwatering seedling trays
  3. 3Poor air circulation around young seedlings

Solution Steps

  1. 1Use a well-draining, sterile seed-starting mix rather than garden soil
  2. 2Water from the base or carefully to avoid keeping the surface constantly wet
  3. 3Provide good airflow with a small fan around seedling trays
  4. 4Avoid overcrowding seedlings, which restricts airflow

Prevention Tip

A sterile starting mix and careful, not-excessive watering prevent the vast majority of damping off in home seed-starting.