When to Plant Broccoli in Mississippi
Published: April 21, 2026
Mississippi gardeners in Zone 8a enjoy an extended 41-week growing season for broccoli. Cool-season crops like broccoli do best in fall, winter, and early spring in Mississippi — the hot summers bolt these plants before they can be harvested. This guide gives exact dates for Mississippi based on your local frost calendar.
Broccoli Planting Dates for Mississippi
| Start seeds indoors | January 4–11 |
| Last frost (average) | February 15 |
| Transplant outdoors | January 18–28 |
| Direct sow outdoors | January 18–28 |
| Expect first harvest | March 19 – April 8 |
| Fall crop start | September 22–October 2 |
| Fall harvest | November 21 |
| First fall frost (average) | December 1 |
Dates above assume Zone 8a, the most common zone in Mississippi. Gardeners in cooler Jackson (Zone 8a) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Gulfport (Zone 8b) can plant 1–2 weeks earlier.
Growing Broccoli in Mississippi's Climate
Mississippi's warm Zone 8a climate makes broccoli a fall, winter, and early spring crop rather than a summer one. The cool-season window runs roughly October through April in Mississippi — plant outside this window and the broccoli will bolt (send up a flower stalk and turn bitter) before it produces a harvestable crop.
Succession planting stretches the broccoli harvest window. Sow small amounts every two weeks from October through February — you will have staggered harvests rather than a single wave to process all at once. Bolt-resistant varieties extend the usable window an extra three to four weeks into warming weather.
Common broccoli pests to watch for in Mississippi include Cabbage Worm and Cabbage Looper. The first line of defense is companion planting: Onion and Garlic planted nearby discourage several of these pests by confusing host-plant identification or repelling adults before they can lay eggs. Weekly garden walks in the early morning catch problems when they're still manageable.
Broccoli Garden Calendar for Mississippi
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Transplant outdoors | Soil temp must be 40°F+; nighttime lows above 50°F |
| February | Harden off seedlings | Set seedlings outdoors 1–2 hours daily, increasing gradually |
| March | First harvest window opens | Broccoli begins producing 60–80 days after transplant |
| April | — | Off-season |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Off-season |
| July | — | Off-season |
| August | — | Off-season |
| September | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| October | — | Off-season |
| November | — | Off-season |
| December | First frost approaches | Harvest remaining broccoli; cover plants on frost nights |
Broccoli Growing Tips for Mississippi Gardeners
- •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.
- •Mississippi's cool-season broccoli plants best in October, November, and December for winter and early spring harvest. Spring plantings bolt before producing a harvestable crop.
- •Harvest heads before any yellow flowers open — once flowers show, flavor declines quickly.
Companion Planting for Broccoli in Mississippi
In Mississippi's warm climate, planting broccoli with Onion and Garlic helps deter pests and improve soil. Avoid planting near Tomato and Pepper, which inhibit broccoli growth through root chemistry or shared pest pressure. See the full broccoli companion planting guide for the complete list.
Broccoli Planting Dates by City in Mississippi
Top cities in Mississippi — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant broccoli in Mississippi?
In Mississippi (Zone 8a), start broccoli seeds indoors around January 4–11 and transplant outdoors around January 18–28 — 4 weeks before the state's average last frost of February 15.
What is the last frost date in Mississippi?
Mississippi's average last frost date is February 15 in the state's most common Zone 8a. Frost dates vary by city — higher elevations and northern counties run 1 to 3 weeks later than the state average. See the city list below for city-level frost dates.
Can I grow broccoli year-round in Mississippi?
broccoli is a cool-season crop in Mississippi, with spring and fall windows. Summer heat bolts the plants before they can produce a harvestable crop. Succession planting every 2–3 weeks stretches the harvest window.
What broccoli varieties grow best in Mississippi?
For Mississippi's Zone 8a, Calabrese and Packman resist bolting in brief warm spells during the cool-season window.
When do I start broccoli seeds indoors in Mississippi?
Start broccoli seeds indoors in Mississippi around January 4–11, which is 6 weeks before the state's average last frost of February 15. Use grow lights and keep soil temperatures at 70–75°F for fastest germination.