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When to plant Broccoli in Bond County, IL

Bond County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Plant Broccoli between March 30 (after last frost on April 13) and April 20. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Bond County, IL

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.

Bond County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 587 feet, Bond County receives approximately 34.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.

Bond County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Bond County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7

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 Bond County's 191-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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Bond County, IL

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Jul 27
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

191 days in Bond County

Growing Tips for Bond 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 Bond County, IL?

Bond County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bond County, IL?

Bond County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Broccoli in Bond County, IL?

In Bond County, IL, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bond County, IL for Broccoli?

Bond County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Broccoli grow in Bond County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Bond County's temperate climate. Bond County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Bond County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bond County (Zone 6b). 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 Bond County, IL. 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.