Blog

When to plant Broccoli in Iosco County, MI

Iosco County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Plant Broccoli between April 30 (after last frost on May 14) and May 21. A second sowing from July 25 to August 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Iosco 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.

Iosco County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 696 feet, Iosco County receives approximately 37.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.

Iosco County, MI (Zone 5b) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
142 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Iosco County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.9

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 Iosco County's 142-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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Iosco County, MI

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 – May 28
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 – May 21
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 – Aug 27
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 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

142 days in Iosco County

Growing Tips for Iosco 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 Iosco County, MI?

Iosco County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Iosco County, MI?

Iosco County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 3.

When should I plant Broccoli in Iosco County, MI?

In Iosco County, MI, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Iosco County, MI for Broccoli?

Iosco 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 Iosco County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Iosco County's temperate climate. Iosco County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around October 3.

🌱

Your Iosco County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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