When to plant broccoli
Short answer
Plant broccoli about 2 weeks before your last spring frost. In a mid climate (zone 5) that's around Apr 1, starting seeds indoors about Mar 4. Enter your ZIP for your exact dates.
| Climate zone | Start indoors | Plant outside | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Jan 1 | Jan 1 | Mar 7 |
| Zone 2 | Jan 4 | Feb 1 | Apr 7 |
| Zone 3 | Jan 27 | Feb 24 | Apr 30 |
| Zone 4 | Feb 16 | Mar 16 | May 20 |
| Zone 5 | Mar 4 | Apr 1 | Jun 5 |
| Zone 6 | Mar 19 | Apr 16 | Jun 20 |
| Zone 7 | Apr 3 | May 1 | Jul 5 |
| Zone 8 | Apr 20 | May 18 | Jul 22 |
Higher climate-zone numbers are colder, so planting shifts later. Broccoli is a semi-hardy crop. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for your exact zone and dates.
Your exact dates
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Frequently asked questions
When should I plant broccoli?
Sow broccoli directly about 2 weeks before your last spring frost — it tolerates cold. In a warmer zone 4 that's around Mar 16; in a colder zone 6, Apr 16.
When do I start broccoli seeds indoors?
Start broccoli seeds indoors about 6 weeks before your last frost, then transplant after the frost passes. That's roughly Mar 19 in zone 6.
How long until broccoli is ready to harvest?
About 65 days from transplant or sowing. In zone 6, plants set out around Apr 16 are typically ready near Jun 20.