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When to Plant Broccoli in Ozaukee 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.

Ozaukee County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.

At an elevation of 1,277 feet, Ozaukee County receives approximately 32.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.

Ozaukee County, WI (Zone 5a) Moderate season
167 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
167 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Ozaukee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (60 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 20 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Aug 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (62 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 23 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Aug 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (61 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 8 Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Aug 26

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 717 gal / 100 sq ft
Broccoli needs ~975 GDD — county provides 2,171 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Ozaukee County, WI

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 6
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11
Direct Sow April 13 Apr 13 โ€“ May 4
Fall Sowing August 2 Aug 2 โ€“ Aug 16
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 โ€“ Aug 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing 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 5a

Growing Season

167 days

Growing Tips for Ozaukee 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 Ozaukee County, WI?

Ozaukee County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ozaukee County, WI?

Ozaukee County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 11.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Ozaukee County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Ozaukee County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.