Can you grow broccoli in containers?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.If you recreate the optimal growing conditions for broccoli, it will grow well even in containers. I have harvested whole heads of broccoli from my apartment balcony using 5-gallon buckets. The main considerations are depth, drainage, and variety. For broccoli, compact varieties such as Green Magic will do better in pots than a traditional garden variety.
Container Setup
- Use pots 18+ inches deep for root development
- Drill 5 drainage holes to prevent waterlogging
- Elevate pots on bricks for airflow
Soil Mix Formula
- 60% potting soil, 30% compost, 10% perlite
- Add 1 cup worm castings per 5-gallon pot
- Top with straw mulch to retain moisture
Care Routine
- Water daily when temps exceed 85°F (29°C)
- Rotate pots weekly for even sun exposure
- Stake plants when heads reach 3 inches wide
Soil temperature is more relevant when in containers. I insert a meat thermometer into the soil, 4 inches deep, ideally somewhere between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Black plastic pots will heat up faster than terracotta pots. In the summertime in Arizona, I even wrap my containers in burlap to help protect the container and the roots from extreme heat.
For container-grown broccoli, fertilization should be weekly and can be accomplished using compost tea. Broccoli roots will not be able to obtain any nutrients from garden soil, so I will mix 1 cup of tea with one gallon of water. If the leaves turn completely yellow, the plant may be nitrogen deficient. If that's the case, sprinkle blood meal into the pot, and water deeply.
Read the full article: How to Grow Broccoli: Expert Tips for Home Gardens
