Blog

When to Plant Broccoli in Lincoln County, WI

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.

Lincoln County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.

At an elevation of 1,129 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 37.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.

Lincoln County, WI (Zone 4a) Short season
132 days
Last Spring Frost May 19
132 growing days
First Fall Frost September 28

Lincoln County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (25 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 1 Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Aug 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (27 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 7 Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 21 – Sep 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 21 Transplant: Jun 2 🍅 Harvest: Aug 4 – Sep 15

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Broccoli needs ~806 GDD — county provides 1,419 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Lincoln County, WI

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 7 Apr 7 โ€“ Apr 21
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 2
Direct Sow May 12 May 12 โ€“ Jun 2
Fall Sowing July 6 Jul 6 โ€“ Jul 20
Harvest July 21 Jul 21 โ€“ Sep 1

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 Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 4a

Growing Season

132 days

Growing Tips for Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, WI?

Lincoln County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lincoln County, WI?

Lincoln County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 28.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.