Check out the list of Best Broccoli Companion Plants that’ll help to improve the health and flavor of this vegetable.
When it comes to growing healthy and thriving broccoli plants, choosing the right companion plants can make all the difference. In this guide, you can explore the best Broccoli Companion Plants.
Check out the best Cauliflower Companion Plants here
Best Broccoli Companion Plants
1. Beets
Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris Conditiva Group
Beets are one of the best broccoli companion plants as they contribute magnesium to the soil, enhancing its nutrient composition and further benefiting the growth of both plants.
Here is How to Grow Beets in Pots
2. Dill
Botanical Name: Anethum graveolens
Dill attracts beneficial insects like wasps and ladybugs that feed on aphids, which are common pests for broccoli.
Here is Everything About Growing Dill in Pots
3. Onions
Botanical Name: Allium cepa
Onions are great broccoli companion plants because they repel pests and confuse the scent of pests that may damage broccoli, acting as a natural deterrent.
Learn Everything About Growing Onions In Pots here
4. Potatoes
Botanical Name: Solanum tuberosum
Potatoes typically use up a lot of nutrients in the soil, which can make them unfriendly neighbors in the garden. However, broccoli and potatoes can be grown together successfully without negatively affecting each other.
Learn how to grow potatoes from store-bought potatoes here
5. Chamomile
Botanical Name: Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile improves the flavor of broccoli and also deters pests such as cabbage worms and aphids.
Here is everything about Growing Chamomile in Pots
6. Spinach / Lettuce / Swiss Chard
These leafy green vegetables make good broccoli companion plants because they can be planted in the shade of the broccoli plants, maximizing garden space.
Learn Growing Spinach in Containers and Care here
7. Borage
Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
Borage attracts pollinators and beneficial insects that prey on pests, creating a healthier environment for broccoli.
8. Rosemary / Thyme / Sage / Mint
These herbs can help deter pests that are commonly attracted to broccoli due to their strong scents, making them amazing broccoli companion plants!
Check Best Rosemary Companion Plants here
9. Nasturtiums
Botanical Name: Tropaeolum
Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, luring aphids and cabbage worms away from broccoli, making them easier to control.
Here is How to Grow Nasturtium in a Container
10. Radishes
Botanical Name: Raphanus sativus
Radishes don’t require a lot of space to grow, and they appreciate the cool shade provided by broccoli plants, thus helping them both grow better.
Here is Everything About Growing Radishes In Containers & Pots
11. Marigolds
Botanical Name: Tagetes
Marigolds attract beneficial insects that prey on pests harmful to broccoli, while their strong scent repels some unwanted insects.
Learn How to Grow Marigolds in Pots here
12. Celery
Botanical Name: Apium graveolens
Celery is one of the great broccoli companion plants as it helps to deter the white cabbage butterfly, which is a common pest of broccoli.
Learn about Growing Celery in Containers here
13. Cucumbers
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus
These vining plants are good for ground cover and can help retain soil moisture for the benefit of the broccoli plants.
Learn how to grow cucumbers on a trellis here
Bad Broccoli Companion Plants
- Strawberries: Strawberries compete for nutrients and space, potentially stunting the growth of broccoli.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes and broccoli are both heavy feeders and may deplete the soil of nutrients too quickly if grown together.
- Pole Beans: Pole beans can climb and tangle with broccoli, making it difficult to manage and harvest both crops effectively.
- Grapes: Grapes release a chemical that inhibits the growth of nearby plants, including broccoli.
- Mustard Greens: Mustard greens belong to the same family as broccoli (Brassicaceae) and can attract similar pests and diseases, increasing the risk for both plants.
- Cabbage: Cabbage and broccoli are close relatives and may attract the same pests, leading to a higher likelihood of infestation and disease.
- Sunflowers: Sunflowers are known for their tall and dense growth habit, which can cast shade on nearby plants. Planting sunflowers with broccoli may result in reduced sunlight exposure and hinder the growth and development of the broccoli plants.
- Pole Beans: While beans can sometimes be beneficial companions to certain crops due to their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, they may not be suitable for growing with broccoli. Pole beans are climbers and can grow tall, potentially shading the broccoli plants and impeding their growth.
