🥦 Broccoli Fertilizer Schedule Dashboard

Your complete guide to growing exceptional container broccoli

16-Week Fertilizer Schedule

Interactive timeline showing optimal feeding schedule for container broccoli

Week 0-2
Germination
Week 3-4
Seedling
Week 5-8
Early Vegetative
Week 9-12
Head Formation
Week 13-16
Harvest

Select a timeline point to view detailed feeding information

Click on any stage above to see specific fertilizer requirements, NPK ratios, and feeding schedules.

Complete Schedule Overview

Weeks Growth Stage Fertilizer Type NPK Ratio Frequency
0-2 Germination Seed starting mix only N/A None
3-4 Seedling Diluted liquid fertilizer 5-5-5 (1/4 strength) Weekly
5-8 Early Vegetative Balanced with higher N 3-1-2 ratio Every 2 weeks
9-12 Head Formation Balanced with K boost 2-1-3 ratio Weekly
13-16 Harvest & Side Shoots Light nitrogen feed 1-1-2 ratio Every 2 weeks

Nutrient Requirements

Complete guide to NPK ratios and micronutrients for optimal broccoli growth

Primary Nutrients (NPK)

Nitrogen (N)

Role: Essential for leafy growth and protein synthesis

Deficiency: Pale green leaves, stunted growth, early defoliation

Requirements: High during vegetative stage, moderate during head formation

Phosphorus (P)

Role: Root development and energy transfer

Deficiency: Purple leaf tinge, poor root development

Requirements: Consistent throughout growing season

Potassium (K)

Role: Disease resistance and overall plant health

Deficiency: Brown leaf edges, weak stems

Requirements: Increase during head formation

Critical Micronutrients

Boron (B)

Critical for: Preventing hollow stem

Application: 0.2% foliar spray every 2 weeks

Deficiency: Hollow stems with brown tissue

Calcium (Ca)

Critical for: Cell wall strength and head quality

Application: Continuous availability through soil amendment

Deficiency: Cracked heads, poor storage quality

Magnesium (Mg)

Critical for: Chlorophyll production

Application: Epsom salt foliar spray if deficient

Deficiency: Yellowing between leaf veins

Organic Fertilizer Options

Fish Emulsion

NPK: 5-1-1

Dilution: 1 tablespoon per gallon

Frequency: Every 2 weeks

Benefits: Slow release, beneficial microbes

Kelp Meal

NPK: 1-0-2

Application: 2 tablespoons per gallon soil

Frequency: Monthly

Benefits: Micronutrients, plant hormones

Compost Tea

NPK: Variable

Preparation: 1 cup compost per gallon water, steep 3 days

Frequency: Weekly

Benefits: Beneficial microbes, gentle feeding

Troubleshooting Guide

Identify and solve common broccoli growing problems

Hollow Stem

Critical Issue

Cause: Boron deficiency or excessive nitrogen

Symptoms: Hollow stems with brown or black tissue

Prevention: Regular boron applications, balanced NPK ratios

Solution: Apply 0.2% boron foliar spray immediately

Poor Head Formation

Common Issue

Cause: High temperatures, irregular watering, nutrient imbalance

Symptoms: Small heads, loose florets, premature bolting

Prevention: Consistent moisture, proper timing, balanced feeding

Solution: Provide shade during heat waves, maintain consistent watering

Nitrogen Deficiency

Nutrient Issue

Cause: Insufficient nitrogen, poor soil

Symptoms: Pale green leaves, stunted growth, purple tinge

Prevention: Regular nitrogen feeding, soil testing

Solution: Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer immediately

Quick Problem Solver

Yellow leaves from bottom up: Nitrogen deficiency
Purple leaf tinge: Phosphorus deficiency or cold stress
Brown leaf edges: Potassium deficiency or salt burn
Yellowing between veins: Magnesium deficiency
Stunted growth: Root problems or nutrient lockout

Optimal Container Setup

  • Size: Minimum 5 gallons (12-18 inches deep and wide)
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix with compost
  • pH: 6.0-7.0
  • Temperature: 55-75°F (avoid above 80°F)
  • Light: 6-8 hours direct sunlight
  • Spacing: One plant per 5-gallon container

Growing Calculators

Customize your broccoli growing plan with these helpful calculators

Fertilizer Dilution Calculator

Harvest Date Predictor

Container Size Calculator

Personal Feeding Schedule