When to Plant Broccoli in Southeast Fairbanks, AK
Your May planting checklist for Southeast Fairbanks, Alaska
Each item below is timed to Southeast Fairbanks, Alaska's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Plant broccoli from seed, right in the garden
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
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Sow broccoli for an autumn harvest
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: broccoli
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.
Southeast Fairbanks, Alaska is in USDA Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is June 6 and the first fall frost is August 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 72 days.
At an elevation of 1,414 feet, Southeast Fairbanks receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 62°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.
Southeast Fairbanks Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Southeast Fairbanks
How your county's soil matches Broccoli's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.6) is more acidic than Broccoli prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Southeast Fairbanks is excellent for Broccoli — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Broccoli.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.3%) — Broccoli will thrive.
How to Plant Broccoli
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
How Much Broccoli to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 30 sq ft. In Southeast Fairbanks's 72-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | — | 6.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Aug in Southeast Fairbanks). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Southeast Fairbanks, AK
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 6 | Jun 6 – Jun 20 |
| Direct Sow | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 20 |
| Harvest | August 8 | Aug 8 – Sep 19 |
| Fall Sowing | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 2a
📆 Growing Season
72 days in Southeast Fairbanks
Growing Tips for Broccoli in Southeast Fairbanks
Direct sow Broccoli outdoors after June 06 in Southeast Fairbanks when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 72.0-day growing season in Southeast Fairbanks is tight for Broccoli (60.0-90.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Broccoli in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Southeast Fairbanks, AK?
Southeast Fairbanks is in Zone 2a with an average last frost of June 6. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Southeast Fairbanks, AK?
Southeast Fairbanks, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is June 6 and first fall frost is August 17.
Your Southeast Fairbanks Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Southeast Fairbanks (Zone 2a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.