When is the best time to plant broccoli?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Broccoli grows best, when it's planted early-, during "cool seasons," spring and fall! Start seeds inside, 6 to 8 weeks before your area's last spring frost date. For fall crops, count backward 10 to 12 weeks before your first expected frost. I missed that once, and my plants froze!
Spring Planting
- Zones 3-5: Start seeds March-April
- Transplant outdoors after soil hits 40°F (4°C)
- Use cloches for frost protection
Fall Planting
- Zones 6-8: Sow seeds July-August
- Avoid summer heat with afternoon shade
- Harvest before temps drop below 20°F (-6°C)
Southern Climates
- Zones 9-11: Plant October-January
- Use bolt-resistant varieties like Green Magic
- Water deeply to offset dry winters
The dates of frost used in gardening determine your success. You can search for your frost dates via your local extension office and their website. In zone 6, I plant my spring broccoli between April 10-20 and for fall I begin my planting August 1-10. It is helpful to plant crops every 14 days to help level out potential unpredictable weather.
Gardeners in the South encounter specific challenges. The southern heat causes plants to bolt so I utilize Arcadia due to its heat tolerance. The ideal way to plant it is in partial shade with heavy mulch. Last summer, I was able to extend my harvest period by three weeks even in a heat wave in September, which was great.
Read the full article: How to Grow Broccoli: Expert Tips for Home Gardens
