When to Plant Broccoli
Published: April 21, 2026
A cool-season crop that must mature before summer heat triggers bolting. Spring and fall are the only viable windows. Starting transplants indoors ensures a head start for both seasons.
When to plant broccoli
- Start seeds indoors: 6 weeks before last frost
- Direct sow outdoors: 4 weeks before last frost
- Minimum soil temperature: 40°F
- Days to harvest: 60–80 days
- Sun requirement: Full sun
- Spacing: 18 inches apart
- Water: 1.5 inches per week
- Fall crop: Yes — plant 10 weeks before first fall frost
Growing Tips for Broccoli
- •For spring: start indoors 6 weeks before last frost and transplant outdoors 4 weeks before last frost.
- •For fall: start indoors in summer — count 10 weeks back from your first fall frost date.
- •Harvest heads before any yellow flowers open — once flowers show, flavor declines quickly.
- •After cutting the main head, leave the plant in — side shoots produce small florets for weeks.
Companion Planting for Broccoli
✅ Plant broccoli with
- • Onion
- • Garlic
- • Dill
- • Rosemary
- • Marigold
- • Celery
❌ Avoid planting near
- • Tomato
- • Pepper
- • Strawberry
- • All Nightshades
Common Broccoli Pests and Problems
Regional pest pressure varies — see your state guide below for state-specific pest calendars and treatment timing.
Broccoli Planting Dates by State
Select your state for exact sow and transplant dates based on local frost calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I start broccoli seeds indoors?
For spring broccoli, start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. You will transplant these seedlings outdoors 4 weeks before last frost — broccoli tolerates cold and benefits from cool growing conditions.
When can I transplant broccoli outside?
Transplant broccoli seedlings 4 weeks before your last frost date. Young broccoli tolerates frost down to about 26°F. Setting plants out in cool spring weather — rather than waiting for warm weather — produces the best heads before summer heat arrives.
How do I grow fall broccoli?
Start seeds indoors in summer and count back 10 weeks from your first fall frost date to determine your transplant date. Fall broccoli often produces better than spring broccoli because it matures as temperatures cool, creating sweeter, tighter heads.
When do I harvest broccoli?
Harvest when the main head is fully developed but before any yellow flowers open. Once even a few florets show yellow, flavor declines noticeably. Cut at an angle 5–6 inches below the head. Side shoots will follow for 4–6 more weeks of smaller harvests.
What grows well with broccoli?
Onions and garlic deter aphids and cabbage worms. Dill and rosemary repel cabbage moths. Marigolds reduce flea beetle pressure. Avoid planting broccoli near tomatoes, peppers, or strawberries which inhibit growth in close proximity.