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When to plant Broccoli in Pike County, KY

Pike County's climate puts the Broccoli spring window between April 1 and April 22. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Pike 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.

Pike County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 1,655 feet, Pike County receives approximately 52.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.

Pike County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Pike County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

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 Pike County's 194-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 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4.4" 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, KY

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Outdoors April 15 Apr 15 – Apr 29
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Harvest June 17 Jun 17 – Jul 29
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

194 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

  • 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 Pike County, KY?

Pike County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pike County, KY?

Pike County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Broccoli in Pike County, KY?

In Pike County, KY, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pike County, KY for Broccoli?

Pike County sits in USDA Zone 7a. 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 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 26.

🌱

Your Pike County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pike County (Zone 7a). 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 Pike County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.