purple sprouting broccoli

I started some seeds off on the patio at our flat, and they're doing happily: just wondering whether I can grow them in pots on the patio. How much space do they need? Would they work in smallish containers?

I'll go with Storeman on this, they grow into very large top heavy plants, 'small' containers definately would not be up to it.

definitely don't grow them in pots....I had some in the bed and some in pots last year.  The ones in the bed cropped heavily and for some time (until the pigeons demolished them) whereas the pots had a tiny amount of broccoli.