Broccoli Companion Plants
Broccoli is a long-season brassica that performs best in fertile, firm ground and a cool UK climate. Cabbage white caterpillars can quickly spoil leaves, so companion planting should be viewed as a traditional supplement rather than protection. Aromatic herbs and strong-scented plants are often used as decoys, with variable results between plots.
Good companions for Broccoli
| Plant | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| French beans | Beans occupy a different layer of the bed and, as legumes, may add nitrogen-rich residues after cropping. |
| Beetroot | Compact beetroot can be grown between widely spaced young broccoli plants before the canopy closes. |
| Celery | Celery shares broccoli's preference for moisture-retentive soil, while its upright form contrasts with broad leaves. |
| Rosemary | Strongly scented rosemary is traditionally positioned nearby as a possible brassica decoy, rather than relied upon for control. |
| Sage | Sage is another traditional aromatic companion; place it at a sunny edge where it will not shade broccoli. |
| French marigolds | French marigolds add flowers that may support beneficial insects and make a mixed planting easier to inspect. |
| Poached egg plant | Flowering poached egg plant may attract hoverflies, whose adults need nectar and pollen. |
Keep Broccoli away from
| Plant | Why to separate them |
|---|---|
| Cabbage | Cabbage shares cabbage white caterpillars and other brassica problems, and it weakens a sound rotation. |
| Cauliflower | Growing it beside broccoli concentrates closely related crops with similar nutrient needs and pest risks. |
| Kale | Kale shares brassica pests and diseases, so separate beds and rotation are usually more useful. |
| Sweetcorn | Tall sweetcorn can cast substantial shade over broccoli, especially during late summer. |
Tips
Set plants firmly, space them according to the variety and keep moisture consistent to reduce stress. Cover with fine insect mesh before cabbage white butterflies find the crop, and inspect beneath leaves regularly. Harvest central heads promptly, then allow suitable varieties to make side shoots. Rotate away from cabbage, cauliflower and kale; never follow another brassica directly.
Broccoli companion planting: frequently asked questions
What are good companion plants for broccoli?
Good companions for broccoli include French beans, Beetroot, Celery, Rosemary, Sage, French marigolds, Poached egg plant.
What should you not plant near broccoli?
Keep broccoli away from Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Sweetcorn.
How does companion planting help broccoli?
Broccoli is a long-season brassica that performs best in fertile, firm ground and a cool UK climate.
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Companion planting is a traditional practice; results vary with your climate, soil and garden. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.