What Cannot Be Grown in a Greenhouse?

Greenhouses have revolutionized agriculture, allowing farmers and commercial growers to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs regardless of season or climate. However, greenhouses are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Despite technological advancements in climate control, hydroponics, and automation, some crops simply do not thrive in greenhouse conditions.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• What types of plants do poorly in greenhouses

• The science behind these limitations

• Alternatives and workarounds for commercial growers

• Considerations when planning a greenhouse crop portfolio

1. Understanding the Search Intent

People searching for “what cannot be grown in a greenhouse” are usually:

• Hobby gardeners or beginner growers

• Commercial farm planners looking to invest in greenhouse operations

• Agricultural consultants evaluating feasibility

• Educators or students studying controlled environment agriculture (CEA)

Their primary goal is to understand the limitations of greenhouse farming, either to avoid losses or to design more efficient cultivation systems.

2. Why Some Crops Don’t Work Well in Greenhouses

While modern greenhouses offer a controlled environment, they still have limitations. Some crops require specific soil depth, pollination methods, or vast root systems that greenhouses cannot accommodate efficiently.

Here are the main reasons why some plants may not be greenhouse-friendly:

• Space and root depth limitations

• Pollination challenges

• High energy or humidity requirements

• Natural dormancy cycles

• Low market value compared to greenhouse costs

3. Crops That Typically Don’t Grow Well in Greenhouses

a. Large Trees (e.g., Oak, Maple, or Coconut Trees)

Why not:
Large trees require deep roots, tall canopies, and years of natural seasonal change. Most greenhouses are not designed for multi-decade growth or extreme height.

Alternative:
Consider planting these outdoors and using greenhouse space for high-yield, quick-cycle crops like lettuce, tomatoes, or herbs.

b. Field Grains (e.g., Wheat, Barley, Corn in Bulk)

Why not:
Grains need vast land and are generally grown in bulk. Growing grains like wheat or corn inside a greenhouse is not cost-effective, as the ROI (Return on Investment) is too low for such low-margin crops.

Alternative:
Use greenhouse space for high-value crops like strawberries, cucumbers, or exotic greens.

c. Nut Trees (e.g., Almond, Walnut, Pistachio)

Why not:
Nut trees have extensive growth cycles, tall height, and require natural cross-pollination (often by bees or wind). They’re impractical inside enclosed environments.

Alternative:
Focus on nut seedlings or grafted young trees if nurseries are your target market—but grow to maturity outside.

d. Plants Requiring Cold Dormancy (e.g., Certain Apples or Peonies)

Why not:
These plants rely on winter cold to trigger dormancy and flowering cycles. Unless the greenhouse can mimic winter conditions, they may not bloom or bear fruit correctly.

Alternative:
Grow varieties bred for warmer or subtropical zones.

e. Wind-Pollinated Crops (e.g., Corn, Some Grasses)

Why not:
Greenhouses lack natural wind. While fans can help simulate airflow, it’s often insufficient or inefficient for plants that rely heavily on wind-based pollination.

Alternative:
Use artificial pollination techniques—or again, consider switching to self-pollinating or bee-pollinated crops.

f. Low-Value Root Crops (e.g., Potatoes, Carrots, Beets in Bulk)

Why not:
These root vegetables grow well outdoors and don’t fetch a high market price. Using valuable greenhouse space for crops with thin profit margins is a poor investment for commercial operations.

Alternative:
Consider microgreens or gourmet root varieties in small volumes for niche markets.

4. The Role of Greenhouse Type and Design

Not all greenhouses are created equal. The type and size of your structure dramatically influence what can be grown. For example:

• Low-tech hoop houses might not support humidity-sensitive crops.

• High-tech polycarbonate greenhouses with automated climate control may succeed in growing certain sensitive crops if calibrated correctly.

• Vertical farms or hydroponic systems may expand crop compatibility but come at higher upfront costs.

Ask yourself:

• Do I have automated climate control?

• Is pollination an issue?

• Is the cost per square meter justified by the crop’s value?

5. Can Technology Overcome These Limitations?

To some extent, yes.

• Supplemental lighting, CO₂ enrichment, and HVAC systems can simulate optimal conditions.

• Bee hives or bumblebee boxes inside greenhouses can help with pollination.

• Custom greenhouse design (e.g., tall-span greenhouses for dwarf fruit trees) offers niche solutions.

However, the return on investment may not always justify the cost, especially for low-profit crops.

6. Smart Crop Planning for Greenhouse Farmers

If you're a commercial grower or agri-business owner, follow these steps:

• Focus on high-margin crops (berries, tomatoes, peppers, flowers, herbs)

• Optimize crop rotation to maximize yield per square meter

• Use modular greenhouses to test crops in small batches before scaling up

• Partner with a greenhouse manufacturer who understands your crop goals and can customize designs

7. Final Thoughts: Focus on Profitability, Not Possibility

While technically, you could grow nearly anything in a greenhouse with the right equipment and budget, it doesn’t always make financial sense.

A successful greenhouse grower knows not just what is possible—but what is practical.

So instead of asking “What can’t I grow in a greenhouse?”, consider asking:“What should I grow in my greenhouse to maximize profit, sustainability, and success?”

Let Us Help You Build the Right Greenhouse

At Kunyu Greenhouse we specialize in designing and manufacturing custom commercial greenhouses optimized for yield, energy efficiency, and ROI. From consultation to construction, we help farmers and agri-businesses make the most of every square meter.