When to Plant Broccoli in Washington County, VA
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.
Washington County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 816 feet, Washington County receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Broccoli to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 24 sq ft. In Washington County's 174-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Washington County, VA
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Aug 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Washington 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Washington County, VA?
Washington County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, VA?
Washington County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.