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When to plant Broccoli in Jefferson County, IN

For Jefferson County, gardeners: plant Broccoli March 27 through April 17 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Jefferson County, IN

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.

Jefferson County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 1,010 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.

Jefferson County, IN (Zone 6b) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Jefferson 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 Jefferson County's 194-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, IN

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Jul 24
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

194 days in Jefferson County

Growing Tips for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, IN?

Jefferson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jefferson County, IN?

Jefferson County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Broccoli in Jefferson County, IN?

In Jefferson County, IN, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jefferson County, IN for Broccoli?

Jefferson 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 Jefferson County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Jefferson County's temperate climate. Jefferson County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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