Plant guide:ðĨĶ Broccoli
Back to Plant Clinic
â CriticalðĐš
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
- 1Pythium or Rhizoctonia fungi thriving in overly wet, poorly-ventilated seed-starting conditions
- 2Overwatering seedling trays
- 3Poor air circulation around young seedlings
Solution Steps
- 1Use a well-draining, sterile seed-starting mix rather than garden soil
- 2Water from the base or carefully to avoid keeping the surface constantly wet
- 3Provide good airflow with a small fan around seedling trays
- 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.


