When to Plant Broccoli in USDA Zone 5b
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.
In Zone 5b, the average last spring frost is around April 18 and the first fall frost is around October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Zone 5b
Where Is USDA Zone 5b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 5b. Click any state to see the Broccoli planting schedule for that location.
Broccoli Planting Calendar — Zone 5b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 5b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 5b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
-15°F to -10°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
178 days (Zone 5b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Broccoli in Zone 5b
Sow every 6.9 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Broccoli in Zone 5b
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
Saving Broccoli Seeds
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Broccoli in Other Zones
Broccoli by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Zone 5b?
In Zone 5b, plan your Broccoli planting around the average last frost date of April 18. Start seeds indoors around March 14. Direct sow outdoors around April 4. Transplant seedlings around April 18.
Can Broccoli grow in Zone 5b?
Yes, Broccoli can grow well in Zone 5b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 5b has a growing season of approximately 178 days, which is sufficient for Broccoli (60-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Broccoli in Zone 5b?
In Zone 5b, expect to harvest Broccoli from June 20 – August 1. Broccoli takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 5b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 5b is around April 18, and the first fall frost is around October 13. This gives a growing season of approximately 178 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Broccoli?
Good companion plants for Broccoli include Celery, Onion, Potatoes, Dill. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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