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When to plant Broccoli in Madison County, MT

Aim to plant Broccoli in Madison County on or after May 28; the window stays open through June 18. Madison County's 94-day frost-free season gives you just enough for one full spring planting. A second sowing from July 5 to July 19 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Madison County, MT

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.

Madison County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 11 and the first fall frost is September 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.

At an elevation of 6,394 feet, Madison County receives approximately 20.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.

Madison County, MT (Zone 5a) Very short season
94 days
Last Spring Frost June 11
94 growing days
First Fall Frost September 13

Madison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

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 Madison County's 94-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Madison County, MT

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 7 May 7 – May 21
Transplant Outdoors June 11 Jun 11 – Jun 25
Direct Sow May 28 May 28 – Jun 18
Harvest August 13 Aug 13 – Sep 24
Fall Sowing July 5 Jul 5 – Jul 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Start Indoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

94 days in Madison County

Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, MT?

Madison County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 11. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madison County, MT?

Madison County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 11 and first fall frost is September 13.

When should I plant Broccoli in Madison County, MT?

In Madison County, MT, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around June 11) and before the first frost (around September 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Madison County, MT for Broccoli?

Madison County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Broccoli grow in Madison County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 94-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 11 and first frost around September 13.

🌱

Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Madison County (Zone 5a). 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 Madison County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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