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When to Plant Broccoli in Craighead County, AR

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.

Craighead County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.

At an elevation of 992 feet, Craighead County receives approximately 45.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.

Craighead County, AR (Zone 7a) Long season
222 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
222 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Craighead County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-7

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 Craighead County's 222-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 β€” 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.3" 1" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.3" 1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Craighead County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Broccoli Planting Timeline β€” Craighead County, AR

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Outdoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9
Direct Sow March 12 Mar 12 – Apr 2
Harvest May 28 May 28 – Jul 9
Fall Sowing August 25 Aug 25 – Sep 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–90 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

πŸ“† Growing Season

222 days in Craighead County

Growing Tips for Craighead County

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 35Β°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial β€” must overwinter roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli in Craighead County, AR?

Craighead County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Craighead County, AR?

Craighead County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 3.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Craighead County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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