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When to plant Broccoli in Fayette County, IL

In Zone 6b (Fayette County), direct-sow Broccoli between March 29 and April 19 for spring, after the April 12 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Fayette 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.

Fayette County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 854 feet, Fayette County receives approximately 40.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.

Fayette County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 12
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Fayette County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

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 Fayette County's 189-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Fayette County, IL

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 22
Transplant Outdoors April 12 Apr 12 – Apr 26
Direct Sow March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 19
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 – Jul 26
Fall Sowing August 9 Aug 9 – Aug 23

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

189 days in Fayette County

Growing Tips for Fayette 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 Fayette County, IL?

Fayette County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fayette County, IL?

Fayette County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 18.

When should I plant Broccoli in Fayette County, IL?

In Fayette County, IL, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Fayette County, IL for Broccoli?

Fayette 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 Fayette County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Fayette County's temperate climate. Fayette County averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 18.

🌱

Your Fayette County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Fayette 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 Fayette County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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