Quick planting window
| Start indoors | February to March |
|---|---|
| Transplant | March |
| Sow seeds | March |
| Estimated harvest | May to June |
| Risk | Medium risk |
Month calendar
Scan the year by month to see seed starting, sowing, transplanting, and harvest timing.
Broccoli is a reasonable spring choice for California if you adjust for your local microclimate.
Next: ZIP code personalization
This is a state-level planning window based on typical frost timing and crop rules. Use local Extension guidance or a ZIP code frost-date tool before planting.
Planning notes
Days to maturity
70
Covered states
20
Maturity range
28-240 days
Crop overview pages compare state windows; open a specific state page to see that state's frost dates, heat risk, and Extension source.
Broccoli growing notes
The calendar window is only the first step. These growing details affect survival, plant vigor, and harvest quality.
Sun
Full sun in cool weather.
Soil
Fertile soil with consistent moisture.
Spacing
18-24 inches.
Container
Use 5+ gallon containers for one plant.
Watering
Keep moisture steady to prevent small heads.
Common mistake
Planting into heat that causes early flowering.
Beginner tip
Favor fall planting where summers are hot.
Month window table
| State | Spring transplant / sow | Spring harvest | Fall transplant / sow | Fall harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | March | May to June | August to September | November to December |
| New York | April to May | June to July | July to August | September to October |
| Texas | March | May to June | August to September | October to November |
| Washington | April to May | June to July | July to August | October |
| New Jersey | April to May | June to July | July to August | October |
| Florida | January to February | March to April | September to October | December |
| North Carolina | March to April | May to June | August to September | October to November |
| Georgia | March to April | May to June | August to September | October to November |
| Illinois | April to May | June to July | July to August | September to October |
| Ohio | April to May | June to July | July to August | September to October |
| Pennsylvania | April to May | June to July | July to August | September to October |
| Michigan | May | July to August | July to August | September to October |
| Arizona | February to March | April to May | August to September | November to December |
| Oregon | April to May | June to July | July to August | October |
| Massachusetts | April to May | June to July | July to August | September to October |
| Minnesota | May | July to August | July to August | September to October |
| Virginia | March to April | June to July | August to September | October to November |
| Colorado | May to June | July to August | July to August | September to October |
| Tennessee | March to April | May to June | August to September | October to November |
| Missouri | April to May | June to July | July to August | October |
Sources and limits
This crop overview summarizes typical frost windows and crop rules across 20 states. Because it is not tied to one state, the links below point to representative state Extension sources; state and crop-state pages show the matching state source.
Note: this overview shows a sample of sources; each state page exposes its own Extension reference.
FAQ
When should I start broccoli indoors?
Broccoli is commonly started indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost date. The exact month changes by state.
Can I sow broccoli outdoors?
Broccoli can be sown outdoors when soil and nights are suitable. In California, the spring estimate is about March.
When should I transplant broccoli?
Broccoli is commonly transplanted about -2 weeks after the last frost date, after seedlings are hardened off.
How long does broccoli take to harvest?
Broccoli is listed at about 70 days to maturity. Cool weather, weak light, or stress can extend that timeline.
Is broccoli container friendly?
Yes. Use 5+ gallon containers for one plant.
What is the most common broccoli mistake?
Planting into heat that causes early flowering.
Is broccoli better in spring or fall?
Both spring and fall can work in many states, but fall timing should count backward from the first frost date.
Is this ZIP-code accurate?
No. V1 uses conservative state-level windows and reserves ZIP-code frost dates, USDA zone matching, and reminders for the next phase.