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When to Plant Broccoli in Crittenden 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.

Crittenden County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.

At an elevation of 808 feet, Crittenden County receives approximately 45.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.

Crittenden County, AR (Zone 7b) Long season
229 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
229 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Crittenden County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (126 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 7 Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Jun 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (124 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 14 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jul 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Jul 23

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 423 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Broccoli needs ~1,481 GDD — county provides 4,522 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Crittenden County, AR

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 14 Feb 14 โ€“ Feb 28
Transplant Outdoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Direct Sow March 7 Mar 7 โ€“ Mar 28
Fall Sowing August 27 Aug 27 โ€“ Sep 10
Harvest May 23 May 23 โ€“ Jul 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

229 days

Growing Tips for Crittenden 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

Level Up Your Garden

๐ŸŒพ 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 35ยฐF, under 50% humidity.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli in Crittenden County, AR?

Crittenden County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Crittenden County, AR?

Crittenden County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 5.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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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 Crittenden County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.