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When to Plant Broccoli in Walsh 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.

Walsh County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 553 feet, Walsh County receives approximately 32.7 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.

Walsh County, ND (Zone 3b) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
139 growing days
First Fall Frost September 30

Walsh County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (33 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 28 Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Aug 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (34 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 2 Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Aug 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 13 Transplant: May 25 🍅 Harvest: Jul 27 – Sep 7

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 18 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Broccoli needs ~806 GDD — county provides 1,494 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Walsh 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
Fall Sowing July 8 Jul 8 โ€“ Jul 22
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 โ€“ Aug 27

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

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 3b

Growing Season

139 days

Growing Tips for Walsh 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 Walsh County, ND?

Walsh County is in Zone 3b 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 Walsh County, ND?

Walsh County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 30.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Walsh County gardeners in Zone 3b 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 Walsh County, ND. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.