Blog

When to plant Broccoli in Hoyleton, IL

Hoyleton's climate puts the Broccoli spring window between March 26 and April 16. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Hoyleton, IL

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.

Hoyleton, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 1,126 feet, Washington County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.

Hoyleton, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Hoyleton Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Broccoli to Grow

1-2 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 24 sq ft. In Washington County's 194-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli

Broccoli needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Broccoli Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Hoyleton, IL

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 16
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 – Jul 23
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Washington County

Growing Tips for Hoyleton

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Broccoli Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow plants to flower 2nd year; collect dry pods.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.

When should I plant Broccoli in Hoyleton, IL?

In Hoyleton, IL, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hoyleton, IL for Broccoli?

Hoyleton sits in USDA Zone 6b. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Broccoli grow in Hoyleton's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Hoyleton's temperate climate. Hoyleton averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 20.

🌱

Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Washington County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.