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When to plant Broccoli in Lee County, MS

For Lee County, gardeners: plant Broccoli March 12 through April 2 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 24 to September 7 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Lee County, MS

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.

Lee County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.

At an elevation of 72 feet, Lee County receives approximately 50.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Broccoli, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.

Lee County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
221 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
221 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay 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 Lee County's 221-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Lee County, MS

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Outdoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9
Direct Sow March 12 Mar 12 – Apr 2
Harvest May 28 May 28 – Jul 9
Fall Sowing August 24 Aug 24 – Sep 7

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 Fall Sowing
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

221 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Lee 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 Lee County, MS?

Lee County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, MS?

Lee County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 2.

When should I plant Broccoli in Lee County, MS?

In Lee County, MS, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lee County, MS for Broccoli?

Lee County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Broccoli grow in Lee County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 221-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 2.

🌱

Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 8a). 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 Lee County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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