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When to plant Broccoli in Alcona County, MI

Alcona County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Plant Broccoli between May 3 (after last frost on May 17) and May 24. A second sowing from July 25 to August 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Alcona County, MI

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.

Alcona County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 1,061 feet, Alcona County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.

Alcona County, MI (Zone 5b) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 17
139 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Alcona 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 Alcona County's 139-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Alcona County, MI

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 12 Apr 12 – Apr 26
Transplant Outdoors May 17 May 17 – May 31
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 – May 24
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 – Aug 30
Fall Sowing July 25 Jul 25 – Aug 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
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

139 days in Alcona County

Growing Tips for Alcona 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 Alcona County, MI?

Alcona County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Alcona County, MI?

Alcona County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 3.

When should I plant Broccoli in Alcona County, MI?

In Alcona County, MI, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around May 17) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Alcona County, MI for Broccoli?

Alcona 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 Alcona County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Alcona County's temperate climate. Alcona County averages a 139-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 17 and first frost around October 3.

🌱

Your Alcona County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Alcona 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 Alcona County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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