When to Plant Broccoli in Faribault County, MN
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.
Faribault County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 506 feet, Faribault County receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.
Faribault County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.1
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Faribault County, MN
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
157 days
Growing Tips for Faribault 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
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Faribault County, MN?
Faribault County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Faribault County, MN?
Faribault County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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