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When to plant Broccoli in Nicholas County, KY

For Broccoli in Nicholas County, the safe spring window opens around April 2 and closes around April 23. Last expected frost is April 16, first fall frost October 26, giving a 193-day growing season. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Nicholas County, KY

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.

Nicholas County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 1,533 feet, Nicholas County receives approximately 42.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.

Nicholas County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Nicholas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7.1

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 Nicholas County's 193-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 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Nicholas County, KY

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 23
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 – Jul 30
Fall Sowing August 17 Aug 17 – Aug 31

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
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

193 days in Nicholas County

Growing Tips for Nicholas 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 Nicholas County, KY?

Nicholas County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nicholas County, KY?

Nicholas County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Broccoli in Nicholas County, KY?

In Nicholas County, KY, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Nicholas County, KY for Broccoli?

Nicholas 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 Nicholas County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Nicholas County's temperate climate. Nicholas County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 26.

🌱

Your Nicholas County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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