What is the best time to plant broccoli?

When to plant broccoli is all about finding the best time to ensure great growth and a bountiful harvest. This cool-weather crop grows best within specific temperature ranges, and it's essential to know them. Demand to know them, and if you can't learn at what temperatures the soil is cool enough, don't use a garden thermometer. I have watched many gardens fail that way! In other words, broccoli takes knowledge of the local climate.

Spring planting starts 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. If your soil is still colder than 40°F (4°C), you need to start your seeds indoors. (A seedling heat mat will help you achieve uniform germination. You can only transplant your seedlings outside once your soil reaches a temperature of 40°F, so that you don't experience shock from cold temperatures.

Fall planting requires starting 10 to 12 weeks before the first expected frost. This gives plants enough cool days to mature (I sow in late summer for October harvests). There's the added benefit of not needing to grow them through hot summer temperatures above 80°F (27 °C), which can cause bitter bolting. Use shade cloth in case of an unexpected warm spell.

Be attentive to your local frost dates. That's really how to plan your schedule - and for that, a garden journal is essential! A soil thermometer provides great information (and be sure to test your whole garden, as soil can differ markedly as you move around your property). Your growing season can easily be extended by using cold frames.

Your choice of broccoli varieties will determine when to plant. The later-maturing types, which are more frost-tolerant in the fall, will not be as happy with frost in the spring as the spring varieties. I choose only fast-maturing types for my fall plantings. Timing is everything in a good harvest.

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