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When to plant Broccoli in Kennebec County, ME

For Broccoli in Kennebec County, the safe spring window opens around April 26 and closes around May 17. Last expected frost is May 10, first fall frost October 5, giving a 148-day growing season. A second sowing from July 27 to August 10 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Kennebec County, ME

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.

Kennebec County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.

At an elevation of 1,032 feet, Kennebec County receives approximately 42.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.

Kennebec County, ME (Zone 5b) Short season
148 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
148 growing days
First Fall Frost October 5

Kennebec 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 Kennebec County's 148-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Kennebec County, ME

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 19
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Direct Sow April 26 Apr 26 – May 17
Harvest July 12 Jul 12 – Aug 23
Fall Sowing July 27 Jul 27 – Aug 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

148 days in Kennebec County

Growing Tips for Kennebec 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 Kennebec County, ME?

Kennebec County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kennebec County, ME?

Kennebec County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 5.

When should I plant Broccoli in Kennebec County, ME?

In Kennebec County, ME, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kennebec County, ME for Broccoli?

Kennebec County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Broccoli grow in Kennebec County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Kennebec County's temperate climate. Kennebec County averages a 148-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 5.

🌱

Your Kennebec County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kennebec County (Zone 5b). 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 Kennebec County, ME. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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