Cultivars to Select<\/h2>\n
To get the best results when growing broccoli in pots, you\u2019ll want to select cultivars that are compact and fast maturing.<\/p>\n
Here are two of our favorite cultivars for container growing. One is a head-forming broccoli, and the other is a sprouting variety.<\/p>\n
Di Cicco<\/h3>\n
True Leaf Market\u2019s \u2018Di Cicco\u2019 is exactly what\u2019s growing in my container!<\/p>\n
This heirloom cultivar forms heads instead of multiple stalks like \u2018Royal Tenderette,\u2019 described below, but it\u2019s quick to mature.<\/p>\n
In just 48 to 70 days, you\u2019ll be enjoying crisp crowns.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Di-Cicco.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\u2018Di Cicco\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Harvest the main head when it\u2019s three to four inches wide for a roasted broccoli soup, like this one from our sister site, Foodal<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n And then watch as multiple side shoots grow from the stalk, providing you with even more tasty florets.<\/p>\n You can find seeds in packets of various sizes for \u2018Di Cicco\u2019 at True Leaf Market<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Purple sprouting broccoli grows upright and bushy, usually reaching 24 to 36 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.<\/p>\n Instead of one large central head, it produces a steady supply of slender side shoots with small violet-purple florets.<\/p>\n Purple Sprouting<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n It is a long-season crop, typically requiring 180 to 220 days from transplant to harvest, or about six to seven months, depending on climate and growing conditions.<\/p>\n You can find seeds for purple sprouting broccoli in a variety of packet sizes available at Eden Brothers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n An excellent choice for containers, the green sprouting variety \u2018Royal Tenderette\u2019 produces several three- to four-inch stalks that each produce a floret.<\/p>\n \u2018Royal Tenderette\u2019<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n This fast-growing variety matures in just 50 to 60 days from germination and can produce two to three harvests.<\/p>\n You can simply cut a few sweet-tasting florets off for an easy lunchtime side dish for your family and then watch as more stalks grow in 12 to 14 days.<\/p>\n Find packets of 50 seeds or a set of six plants available at Burpee<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Fill your container with soil and add a bit of fertilizer. You can either use:<\/p>\n If you decide to use soil from your garden, don\u2019t use soil that has been previously planted with brassicas as it can harbor disease. <\/span><\/p>\n Broccoli likes neutral to slightly acidic soil, so you may wish to conduct a soil test<\/strong><\/a> to make sure the pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.<\/p>\n Soil should be loose and well-draining to promote healthy root growth.<\/p>\n Broccoli loves cool weather and a full sun location, but hot summer temperatures can cause the plant to bolt.<\/p>\n Because of this, there are two ideal seasons for planting your broccoli: spring and fall.<\/p>\nPurple Sprouting<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Purple-Sprouting-Broccoli.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nRoyal Tenderette<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Royal-Tenderette.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nPreparing Your Container<\/h2>\n
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How to Grow<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Frost-on-Broccoli-Head-800x1200.jpg\")