When to plant broccoli in zone 3a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 3A

Growing SeasonZone 3a

Last frost ~May 30First frost ~Sep 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Apr 18 · Transplant May 9 · First harvest Jul 28 · Wrap by Aug 25

Last spring frostMay 30

Start seeds indoorsApr 18

Transplant outMay 9

First harvestJul 28

Last harvestAug 25

Fall succession sowJun 11

First fall frostSep 10

Why these dates work in zone 3a

Zone 3a's last spring frost averages May 30 and first fall frost Sep 10 — about 103 frost-free days. Broccoli tolerates light frost, so you can set plants out ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 6 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Jun 11 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does broccoli take to grow in zone 3a?

Broccoli matures in about 80–100 days from transplanting. In zone 3a that means setting plants out around May 9 and first picking around Jul 28.

Will broccoli survive frost in zone 3a?

Yes — broccoli tolerates light frost. In zone 3a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around May 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 10).

Can I plant a second crop of broccoli in zone 3a?

Yes — in zone 3a there's time for a fall sowing around Jun 11 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full broccoli growing guide →