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When to Plant Broccoli in Adams County, ND

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.

Adams County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.

At an elevation of 1,100 feet, Adams County receives approximately 27.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.

Adams County, ND (Zone 4a) Short season
136 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
136 growing days
First Fall Frost September 27

Adams County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Broccoli to Grow

1-2 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 24 sq ft. In Adams County's 136-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

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 โ€” 2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 2.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct โ€” 2.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Sep in Adams County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Adams County, ND

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 16
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 โ€“ May 28
Direct Sow May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 28
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 โ€“ Aug 27
Fall Sowing July 5 Jul 5 โ€“ Jul 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

136 days in Adams County

Growing Tips for Adams 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

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 Adams County, ND?

Adams County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Adams County, ND?

Adams County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Adams 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.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Adams County, ND. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.