Blog

When to Plant Broccoli in Pike 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.

Pike County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.

At an elevation of 891 feet, Pike County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.

Pike County, AR (Zone 7b) Long season
232 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
232 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Pike County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 8 Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 17 – Jun 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (127 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 16 Transplant: Mar 23 🍅 Harvest: May 25 – Jul 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (123 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Jul 28

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 329 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Broccoli needs ~1,312 GDD — county provides 4,060 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Pike County, AR

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 16 Feb 16 โ€“ Mar 2
Transplant Outdoors March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 6
Direct Sow March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Mar 30
Fall Sowing September 1 Sep 1 โ€“ Sep 15
Harvest May 25 May 25 โ€“ Jul 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
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

232 days

Growing Tips for Pike 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 Pike County, AR?

Pike County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pike County, AR?

Pike County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Pike County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Pike County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.