When to Plant Broccoli in Franklin County, NY
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.
Franklin County, New York is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 739 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 47.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.5
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.
Plant Water Budget
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Franklin County, NY
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Fall Sowing | July 5 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
132 days
Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin County, NY?
Franklin County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, NY?
Franklin County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Franklin County gardeners in Zone 4a 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.