When to plant Broccoli in Pike County, IN
Plant Broccoli in Pike County after April 9; the prime window is March 26–April 16. A second sowing from August 16 to August 30 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Broccoli in Pike County, IN
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.
Pike County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 1,360 feet, Pike County receives approximately 37.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.
Pike County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Broccoli to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 24 sq ft. In Pike County's 199-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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pike County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Pike County, IN
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jul 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
199 days in Pike County
Growing Tips for Pike 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Pike County, IN?
Pike County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pike County, IN?
Pike County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Broccoli in Pike County, IN?
In Pike County, IN, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pike County, IN for Broccoli?
Pike 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 Pike County's climate?
Yes — Broccoli grows well in Pike County's temperate climate. Pike County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.
Your Pike County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pike 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.