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Plant diseases
Buttoning
Also called button heads (UK).
Illustration
Broccoli and cauliflower that form a small head far too early, while the plant is still small, after a check in growth such as several days of cold, dry soil or being held too long in the pot. Planting young seedlings out on time and keeping them growing steadily prevent it.
How to spot it
- A small, early head (a 'button') forming while the plant itself is still small.
- The head stays small and often opens into flower quickly.
- Common on plants that were set out too old or too big, or hit by cold soon after planting.
- Also after the soil dried out, or the plants went short of food or were crowded by weeds.
- More common in early kinds than in later ones.
Easily confused with
Bolting
Hot weather turns full-sized heads loose and branchy, and they flower early.
Boron deficiency
Hollow stems and browning heads, rather than a head that formed too early.
Club root
Stunted plants that wilt on warm days, with swollen, distorted roots.
Where it's a problem
- Worldwide: Common wherever young broccoli and cauliflower meet a cold spell, dry soil or a check in growth. Not regulated.
What to do
- Plant out young: at about four to six weeks old, with four to six leaves. Older, bigger seedlings are the most likely to button.
- Harden seedlings off before planting, and move them with as little root disturbance as possible.
- Time planting so young plants aren't caught by a long cold spell, and cover them with fleece if one is forecast.
- Keep the soil damp at all times, but not waterlogged.
- Feed on poor soil and keep weeds down, so growth never stalls.
- Choose kinds suited to the season: the earliest kinds button most.
- Cut button heads before they open into flower, and use them: they won't grow any bigger.
Spraying won't help: buttoning is the plant's response to cold or a check in growth, not an infection. Official guides prevent it with young transplants, timing and steady growth.
Vegetables it affects
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Sources (6, from University of California IPM, Oklahoma State University Extension, Utah State University Extension and others)
- University of California IPM: Buttoning in broccoli and cauliflower
- Oklahoma State University Extension: Cole crop production
- Utah State University Extension: How to grow broccoli in your garden · Brassica production problems
- RHS: How to grow cauliflowers · How to grow broccoli
Facts checked Wednesday 28 October 2026. General guidance only: follow your local council, agency and product label.