When to Plant Broccoli in Tennessee
Published: April 21, 2026
Tennessee gardeners in Zone 7a have a 35-week growing season for broccoli (March 15 to November 15). Tennessee's spring and fall windows both work well for broccoli — some gardeners plant both successions for a long harvest. This guide gives exact dates for Tennessee based on your local frost calendar.
Broccoli Planting Dates for Tennessee
| Start seeds indoors | February 1–8 |
| Last frost (average) | March 15 |
| Transplant outdoors | February 15–25 |
| Direct sow outdoors | February 15–25 |
| Expect first harvest | April 16 – May 6 |
| Fall crop start | September 6–16 |
| Fall harvest | November 5 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 15 |
Growing Broccoli in Tennessee's Climate
Tennessee's moderate Zone 7a climate is well-suited to broccoli with minimal special accommodation. The standard transplant calendar works as written, and harvest windows line up with what seed packets recommend without adjustment.
Succession planting extends your broccoli harvest significantly in Tennessee. A second planting 3 to 4 weeks after the first gives you a backup in case of pest pressure and extends the total harvest window into early fall.
Common broccoli pests to watch for in Tennessee 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 Tennessee
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | Dormant season |
| February | Transplant outdoors | Soil temp must be 40°F+; nighttime lows above 50°F |
| March | Harden off seedlings | Set seedlings outdoors 1–2 hours daily, increasing gradually |
| April | First harvest window opens | Broccoli begins producing 60–80 days after transplant |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Dormant season |
| July | — | Dormant season |
| August | — | Dormant season |
| September | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| October | — | Dormant season |
| November | First frost approaches | Harvest remaining broccoli; cover plants on frost nights |
| December | — | Dormant season |
Broccoli Growing Tips for Tennessee 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.
- •Tennessee's moderate climate supports succession planting — sow new transplants or seeds every 3 weeks during spring to extend the harvest window into fall.
- •Harvest heads before any yellow flowers open — once flowers show, flavor declines quickly.
Companion Planting for Broccoli in Tennessee
In Tennessee's moderate 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 Tennessee
Top cities in Tennessee — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant broccoli in Tennessee?
In Tennessee (Zone 7a), start broccoli seeds indoors around February 1–8 and transplant outdoors around February 15–25 — 4 weeks before the state's average last frost of March 15.
What is the last frost date in Tennessee?
Tennessee's average last frost date is March 15 in the state's most common Zone 7a. 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 Tennessee?
broccoli is a cool-season crop in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee?
For Tennessee's Zone 7a, Waltham 29, Calabrese, and Green Magic perform well across conditions.
When do I start broccoli seeds indoors in Tennessee?
Start broccoli seeds indoors in Tennessee around February 1–8, which is 6 weeks before the state's average last frost of March 15. Use grow lights and keep soil temperatures at 70–75°F for fastest germination.