Plant guide:ðĨĶ Broccoli
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Growth
Hollow Stem in Broccoli
Commonly affects: Brassica oleracea var. italica (Broccoli)
The main stem develops a hollow cavity when cut, sometimes with brown discolouration inside, though the head itself often looks normal from outside.
Potential Causes
- 1Rapid growth, often from generous feeding and spacing, outpacing the stem's structural development
- 2Boron deficiency, a specific and common cause of hollow stem
- 3Excessive nitrogen fertilisation pushing overly fast growth
Solution Steps
- 1Apply a boron supplement (following label rates carefully, since excess boron is also harmful) if deficiency is suspected
- 2Moderate nitrogen feeding rather than pushing for maximum rapid growth
- 3Space plants appropriately rather than overly wide, which can encourage overly rapid stem growth
- 4Harvest at the recommended head size rather than letting plants grow larger than necessary
Prevention Tip
Boron deficiency is a well-documented and specific cause of hollow stem in broccoli â a targeted, carefully-dosed boron supplement often resolves recurring cases.
