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When to plant Broccoli in Cass County, MN

Cass County gardeners should plant Broccoli between May 5 and May 26 in spring. With Cass County's Zone 4a climate (last frost May 12), Broccoli needs 60–90 days to mature — plant by June 30 for a full harvest. A second sowing from July 6 to July 20 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Cass County, MN

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.

Cass County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 938 feet, Cass County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.

Cass County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
139 growing days
First Fall Frost September 28

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

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Cass County, MN

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 14
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 – May 26
Direct Sow May 5 May 5 – May 26
Harvest July 14 Jul 14 – Aug 25
Fall Sowing July 6 Jul 6 – Jul 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August 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 4a

📆 Growing Season

139 days in Cass County

Growing Tips for Cass 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 Cass County, MN?

Cass County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cass County, MN?

Cass County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 28.

When should I plant Broccoli in Cass County, MN?

In Cass County, MN, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around May 12) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cass County, MN for Broccoli?

Cass County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Broccoli grow in Cass County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Cass County's temperate climate. Cass County averages a 139-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 12 and first frost around September 28.

🌱

Your Cass County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cass County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Cass County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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