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When to plant Broccoli in Charles County, MD

For Charles County, gardeners: plant Broccoli March 15 through April 5 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from September 5 to September 19 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Charles County, MD

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.

Charles County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.

At an elevation of 382 feet, Charles County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.

Charles County, MD (Zone 7b) Long season
230 days
Last Spring Frost March 29
230 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Charles 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 Charles County's 230-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Charles County, MD

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 8
Transplant Outdoors March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 12
Direct Sow March 15 Mar 15 – Apr 5
Harvest May 31 May 31 – Jul 12
Fall Sowing September 5 Sep 5 – Sep 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September Fall Sowing
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 7b

📆 Growing Season

230 days in Charles County

Growing Tips for Charles 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 Charles County, MD?

Charles County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Charles County, MD?

Charles County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 14.

When should I plant Broccoli in Charles County, MD?

In Charles County, MD, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around March 29) and before the first frost (around November 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Charles County, MD for Broccoli?

Charles County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Broccoli grow in Charles County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Charles County's temperate climate. Charles County averages a 230-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 29 and first frost around November 14.

🌱

Your Charles County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Charles County (Zone 7b). 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 Charles County, MD. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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