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Planter Suitable for Broccoli?

februarysgirlfebruarysgirl Posts: 835
in Fruit & veg
I'm growing container veg and have some broccoli seedlings on the go at the moment. Although I have some canvas grow bags, ideally I'd like to use this planter that I already have. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0971FD3QN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Are the dimensions OK for growing one broccoli plant?

Posts

  • EmptyheadtimeEmptyheadtime Posts: 366
    I have never grown it in pots (always the ground for me) but I would say you could get one in a pot like that. I think the hardest thing might be preventing it bolting as they don’t like it too hot or dry so keep it well watered and shaded if it’s a scorcher and you might be ok. 
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    One year we grew them and it took 18 months before we were able to "pick" anything. This was in the ground. Never doing them again.
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    My plants lady in the market has different varieties that (are supposed to) crop at different times of the year?  I'm not 100% confident, as results have been mixed, but that could be me. Slightly acidic soil needed to set the florets.
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    nick615 said:
    My plants lady in the market has different varieties that (are supposed to) crop at different times of the year?  I'm not 100% confident, as results have been mixed, but that could be me. Slightly acidic soil needed to set the florets.
    Yes different ones crop at different times, remember that Broccoli,  and Calibrese are not the same, Calibrese will crop much faster. Brassicas prefer slightly alkaline soil especially if club root is a risk. 
    AB Still learning

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    @Nick615 brassicas prefer a slightly alkaline soil. When I had a garden with a slightly acid soil I had to add lime. They also like a heavy soil so I would add garden soil to the pot. Plant a bit deep and firm in well. May need some support later.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • februarysgirlfebruarysgirl Posts: 835
    @Emptyheadtime Sounds like I'll have to keep a very close eye on it.

    @Allotment Boy I'm growing green sprouting which is allegedly a faster cropping variety.

    @Busy-Lizzie I'm currently overendowed in the topsoil department and desperately need to get rid of some. Would a predominantly topsoil mix be preferable?
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    Yes, I think so, with some compost added and a layer of compost on top to keep down weeds. I always use some topsoil in pots when planting shrubs or roses too.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    Busy-Lizzie My faithful reference point, our local postie, told me that brassicas, like cauliflower and purple sprouting broccoli, require slightly more acid to help the florets develop.  I certainly don't know enough to argue with him and have followed his guidance ever since.
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