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Broccoli Growing Guide
Brassicaceae family
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Early Vegetative
- Late Vegetative / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 13 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 7 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 13 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 7 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 3 | May 29 | — | Jul 28 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 13 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 7 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 10 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 4 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 3 | May 29 | — | Jul 28 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 24 | May 19 | — | Jul 18 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | May 15 | — | Jul 14 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 17 | May 12 | — | Jul 11 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 17 | May 12 | — | Jul 11 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 17 | May 12 | — | Jul 11 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 4 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 28 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 4 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 28 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 27 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 23 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 22 | Apr 19 | — | Jun 18 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | — | Jun 4 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 6 | Apr 3 | — | Jun 2 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 27 | Mar 24 | — | May 23 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 9 | Mar 6 | — | May 5 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 17 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 12 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 17 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 12 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 4 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 30 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 16 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 16 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 16 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 16 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Broccoli?
Broccoli takes approximately 70 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Broccoli need?
Broccoli requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Broccoli?
Plant Broccoli at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Broccoli survive frost?
Broccoli is tolerant of heavy frost and can withstand freezing temperatures.
What are good companion plants for Broccoli?
Good companion plants for Broccoli include Sage, Rosemary, Mint, Chamomile, Dill. Avoid planting near Strawberries, Tomatoes, Beans.
How long does Broccoli take to germinate?
Broccoli seeds germinate in 5-10 days at an optimal temperature of 75°F.
When should I start Broccoli seeds indoors?
Start Broccoli seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 2 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost
- Keep soil consistently moist for tight, flavorful heads
- After cutting the main head, side shoots will continue producing
Common Pests & Diseases
- Cabbage worms
- Cabbage loopers
- Aphids
- Clubroot
Harvest Notes
Cut the central head when florets are tight and before any yellow flowers appear. Harvest in the morning for best quality.
Plan Your Broccoli Garden
Track Broccoli from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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