When to plant Broccoli in Jefferson County, AR
For Broccoli in Jefferson County, the safe spring window opens around March 5 and closes around March 26. Last expected frost is March 19, first fall frost November 9, giving a 235-day growing season. A second sowing from August 31 to September 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Broccoli in Jefferson County, AR
July in Jefferson County, Arkansas — your action list
July is a pivotal month for Jefferson County, Arkansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Start harvesting broccoli
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- Fall sowing: 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.
Jefferson County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.
At an elevation of 454 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 51.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Broccoli 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 Jefferson County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.1) overlaps with Broccoli's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Jefferson County is excellent for Broccoli — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Broccoli.
How to Plant Broccoli
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Broccoli
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 31.
Broccoli 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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jefferson County). 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 — Jefferson County, AR
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Direct Sow | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 26 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 31 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
235 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Broccoli in Jefferson County
Direct sow Broccoli outdoors after March 19 in Jefferson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Jefferson County, AR?
Jefferson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, AR?
Jefferson County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 9.
When should I plant Broccoli in Jefferson County, AR?
In Jefferson County, AR, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around March 19) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jefferson County, AR for Broccoli?
Jefferson County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Broccoli grow in Jefferson County's climate?
Yes — Broccoli grows well in Jefferson County's temperate climate. Jefferson County averages a 235-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 19 and first frost around November 9.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.