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When to plant Broccoli in Union County, AR

Union County gardeners should plant Broccoli between March 8 and March 29 in spring. With Union County's Zone 8b climate (last frost March 22), Broccoli needs 60–90 days to mature — plant by August 5 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 25 to September 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Union County, AR

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.

Union County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 226 days.

At an elevation of 508 feet, Union County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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.

Union County, AR (Zone 8b) Long season
226 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
226 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Broccoli to Grow

1-2 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 24 sq ft. In Union County's 226-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

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 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Union County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Union County, AR

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Direct Sow March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 29
Harvest May 24 May 24 – Jul 5
Fall Sowing August 25 Aug 25 – Sep 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors 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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

226 days in Union County

Growing Tips for Union 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 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 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli in Union County, AR?

Union County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, AR?

Union County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Broccoli in Union County, AR?

In Union County, AR, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Union County, AR for Broccoli?

Union 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 Union County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 226-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 3.

🌱

Your Union County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Union 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Union County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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