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When to plant Broccoli in Maries County, MO

In Maries County, plant Broccoli in spring between March 23 and April 13, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Maries County's last frost averages April 6, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 21 and September 4 — roughly 60–90 days before the first frost on October 30.

When to Plant Broccoli in Maries County, MO

Broccoli
Maries County, Missouri Zone 6b July

This month in Maries County, Missouri

Your Maries County, Missouri garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost April 6
Avg. first frost October 30
Soil temp (4") 83°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.4 hrs
  1. It's harvest week for broccoli

    Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.

A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
  • Fall sowing: broccoli

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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.

Maries County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.

At an elevation of 684 feet, Maries County receives approximately 36.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.

Maries County, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
207 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
207 growing days
First Fall Frost October 30

Maries County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Broccoli Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (106 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jul 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 2 Transplant: Apr 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 8 – Jul 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (106 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Jun 20 – Aug 1

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Soil Compatibility in Maries County

How your county's soil matches Broccoli's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.5–7.0) overlaps with Broccoli's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Maries County is excellent for Broccoli — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Broccoli.

How to Plant Broccoli

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Broccoli

4
successive plantings in your 207-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 01 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 21.

Broccoli Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 587 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Broccoli Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Broccoli needs ~1,088 GDD — county provides 3,001 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Maries County, MO

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 2 Mar 2 – Mar 16
Transplant Outdoors April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 20
Direct Sow March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 13
Harvest June 8 Jun 8 – Jul 20
Fall Sowing August 21 Aug 21 – Sep 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

207 days in Maries County

Growing Tips for Broccoli in Maries County

Direct sow Broccoli outdoors after April 06 in Maries County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Broccoli in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

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 Maries County, MO?

Maries County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Maries County, MO?

Maries County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 30.

When should I plant Broccoli in Maries County, MO?

In Maries County, MO, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Maries County, MO for Broccoli?

Maries County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Broccoli grow in Maries County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Maries County's temperate climate. Maries County averages a 207-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 30.

🌱

Your Maries County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Maries County (Zone 6b). 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 Maries County, MO. 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.