Growing Broccoli in Containers

Broccoli comes from the cabbage family and this vegetable is shaped like a cauliflower, except for the fact that it is green in color. Broccoli in Italian means 'cabbage's flowering top'.

Broccoli can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, microwaved or stir-fried. It is rich in vitamins like A, C and K and is an excellent source of dietary fiber. It also contains nutrients which fight against cancer. To obtain the maximum nutritional value from broccoli eat it raw, as boiling broccoli reduces its nutritional value. Let us look at the requirements for growing broccoli and the procedure involved in growing broccoli in containers.

Requirements for Growing Broccoli
While broccoli can withstand temperatures in the range of 80 ºF - 20 ºF, the optimum temperature for indoor gardening of broccoli is between 50 ºF - 70 ºF. The growth period of broccoli is 50 to 80 days. Plant broccoli 2 months before the start of rains. Use a soil mixed with a generous amount of compost, and ensure that the soil is well-drained. You can add perlite to the soil, to increase its drainage. When growing broccoli from seed, plant the seeds at a depth of ½ inch. Maintain a distance of 18 - 20 inches between the seedlings of broccoli, when you are transferring the seedlings to a bigger pot. Keep the soil moist by regular watering, however reduce the amount of water, as the broccoli heads start to grow. Use a container for planting broccoli, which is 8 - 10 inches deep. Sometimes the containers of the broccoli, become very hot due to direct sunlight, at such times keep the containers in a shady area. Also, growing broccoli in pots made of clay, is a good idea as it will help in maintaining a lower temperature.

Growing Broccoli inside Containers
Here are the stepwise instructions for growing broccoli inside containers.

• For growing broccoli, select healthy seeds and plant them indoors in pots. Grow the broccoli in a place where it doesn't get direct sunlight.
• Wait till the broccoli grows into sprouts which are 3 inches high, and then shift the containers outdoors.
• When growing broccoli in pots, expose them to sunlight for 3 hours in the morning and then move them back indoors. Keep doing this for at least 2 weeks.
• After this period, start the repotting of the broccoli into bigger pots or tubs. Make sure the container remains cool and has drainage holes at the bottom. Fill the pots with the soil mix. Transfer the growing broccoli sprouts carefully into new big containers, keeping a distance of at least 18 inches between each sprout.
• Water it regularly to maintain the moistness of the soil. Keep the pots at a distance of 25 inches from each other, when growing broccoli in containers.
• Keep checking the broccoli plants for any pest infestation by pests like cutworms or cabbage worms. Get rid of these pests immediately, if you notice them.
• Once the flower heads mature to their full size, harvest them.

Useful Tips for Growing Broccoli
Now, you know how to grow broccoli in containers. However, use the following tips for additional care, when growing broccoli plants.

• Wait till the flower heads of the broccoli fully mature, and harvest them only after that. The average mature size of a broccoli head is around 4 - 6 inches.
• If you like to eat broccoli sprouts, separate some sprouts before repotting the broccoli to bigger containers.
• Sometimes yellow flowers appear before the flower heads can be harvested. This happens if the broccoli is not planted in the right season, so make sure you always plant it at the right time.
• Broccoli can be planted with beets, onions, potatoes and other herbs but avoid planting it with tomatoes, green beans or strawberries.
• You can store and preserve broccoli in the refrigerator for a week.

Now that you have all the information about growing broccoli inside containers, you can also try your hand at growing other herbs and vegetables, which are suitable for container gardening. Growing broccoli in your house, will allow you to eat this tasty and nutritious food whenever you want.