When to Plant Broccoli in Mono County, CA
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.
Mono County, California is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is August 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 63 days.
At an elevation of 2,381 feet, Mono County receives approximately 13.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Broccoli successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Mono County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Mono County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.5) overlaps with Broccoli's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Mono County is excellent for Broccoli — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Broccoli.
How to Plant Broccoli
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
How Much Broccoli to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 30 sq ft. In Mono County's 63-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | — | 0.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Aug in Mono County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Mono County, CA
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 2 |
| Direct Sow | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 25 |
| Harvest | August 20 | Aug 20 – Oct 1 |
| Fall Sowing | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jun 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
63 days in Mono County
Growing Tips for Broccoli in Mono County
Direct sow Broccoli outdoors after June 18 in Mono County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 63.0-day growing season in Mono County is tight for Broccoli (60.0-90.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Broccoli in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Mono County receives only 13" of rain annually. Broccoli needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Mono County, CA?
Mono County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mono County, CA?
Mono County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is August 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Mono County gardeners in Zone 5b 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.