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When to Plant Broccoli in Sandoval County, NM

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.

Sandoval County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.

At an elevation of 4,259 feet, Sandoval County receives approximately 13.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Broccoli will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Broccoli successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Sandoval County, NM (Zone 7b) Short season
148 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
148 growing days
First Fall Frost October 5

Sandoval County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy 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 Sandoval County's 148-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Sandoval County, NM

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 19
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Direct Sow April 26 Apr 26 – May 17
Harvest July 12 Jul 12 – Aug 23
Fall Sowing July 27 Jul 27 – Aug 10

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 7b

📆 Growing Season

148 days in Sandoval County

Growing Tips for Sandoval 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 Sandoval County, NM?

Sandoval County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sandoval County, NM?

Sandoval County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 5.

🌱

Your Sandoval County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sandoval County (Zone 7b). 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 Sandoval County, NM. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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