Blog

When to plant Broccoli in Lafayette County, FL

In Lafayette County, plant Broccoli in spring between February 11 and March 4, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Lafayette County's last frost averages March 4, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between October 1 and October 15 — roughly 60–90 days before the first frost on November 26.

When to Plant Broccoli in Lafayette 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.

Lafayette County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 217 feet, Lafayette County receives approximately 57.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season. 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.

Lafayette County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Lafayette County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-6.2

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 Lafayette County's 267-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 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Lafayette County, FL

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 4 Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Direct Sow February 11 Feb 11 – Mar 4
Harvest May 6 May 6 – Jun 17
Fall Sowing October 1 Oct 1 – Oct 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

267 days in Lafayette County

Growing Tips for Lafayette 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 Lafayette County, FL?

Lafayette County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lafayette County, FL?

Lafayette County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.

When should I plant Broccoli in Lafayette County, FL?

In Lafayette County, FL, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lafayette County, FL for Broccoli?

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

Can Broccoli grow in Lafayette County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Lafayette County's temperate climate. Lafayette County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.

🌱

Your Lafayette County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lafayette County (Zone 9a). 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 Lafayette 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.