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When to plant Broccoli in Duval County, FL

Duval County's spring Broccoli window runs February 3 through February 24. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. A second sowing from October 4 to October 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Duval County, FL

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.

Duval County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 278 days.

At an elevation of 337 feet, Duval County receives approximately 56.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Broccoli may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Broccoli will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.

Duval County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
278 days
Last Spring Frost February 24
278 growing days
First Fall Frost November 29

Duval County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-5.8

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 Duval County's 278-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 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Duval County, FL

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 27 Jan 27 – Feb 10
Transplant Outdoors February 24 Feb 24 – Mar 10
Direct Sow February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 24
Harvest April 28 Apr 28 – Jun 9
Fall Sowing October 4 Oct 4 – Oct 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
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 9b

📆 Growing Season

278 days in Duval County

Growing Tips for Duval 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 Duval County, FL?

Duval County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Duval County, FL?

Duval County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is November 29.

When should I plant Broccoli in Duval County, FL?

In Duval County, FL, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around February 24) and before the first frost (around November 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Duval County, FL for Broccoli?

Duval County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Broccoli grow in Duval County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Duval County's temperate climate. Duval County averages a 279-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 24 and first frost around November 29.

🌱

Your Duval County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Duval County (Zone 9b). 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 Duval County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.