Can broccoli be grown in containers?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Grow broccoli in containers if you don't have the ground space for a garden, or if your soil is deficient. I have grown pound after pound of full-sized heads on my apartment balcony! Use a 5-gallon bucket with drainage holes drilled out of the bottom. This size of box gives the roots room to spread out properly. Additionally, you will not have to deal with diseases common to ground planting.
Soil Composition
- Equal parts compost, perlite, and topsoil
- Compost provides nutrients
- Perlite ensures drainage
- Topsoil adds structure
Feeding Schedule
- Apply liquid seaweed fertilizer every two weeks
- Boosts micronutrient absorption
- Enhances stress resistance
- Promotes head formation
Light Management
- Minimum 6 hours daily sunlight
- Rotate containers weekly
- Use reflective surfaces
- Supplement with grow lights if needed
Ensuring Your Broccoli Is Beautiful When it comes to growing container broccoli, the soil mix is a crucial consideration. Prepare your soil carefully and mix equal parts compost, perlite, and topsoil in a wheelbarrow. I usually toss in a bit of worm castings for extra nutrition. Fill your containers, leaving 2 inches of space at the top; water thoroughly, and then plant your seedlings. That way, you don't pack the soil in around them.
Feed regularly with liquid seaweed fertiliser. Dilute as directed, and then apply directly to the soil every 14 days. I use a watering can with a thin spout. Stop feeding once the heads begin to form. Use too much fertilizer, and the stems will turn hollow; the flavor will be quite bitter.
Manage sunlight exposure. Rotate your containers weekly to give all plants equal sun time (essentials like broccoli usually prefer the morning light most). I turn my buckets 90 degrees every Monday. Put white surfaces around your plants to reflect light. During heatwaves, I'll move them into shade in the afternoon to prevent bolting in warmer weather.
Water container broccoli when topsoil dries. Check with your finger daily. Containers dry out faster than garden beds. I water mine in the early hours. Remove excess from drip trays, but don't let them sit. Plants develop tough, fibrous stems if you let them dry out.
Select compact varieties if you want the best results from containers. 'Green Magic' or 'DeCicco' work well for me, but I'd stay away from large heading types as they'll be crowded, for certain. Be on the lookout for aphids and hose them off or spray with insecticidal soap. Growing in containers minimizes pest problems considerably.
Read the full article: When to Plant Broccoli for Best Results
