Field guide
When to plant broccoli in USDA Zones 11–13
In USDA Zones 11–13, the planner’s broad outdoor planting window for broccoli runs from October to January. Broccoli takes 60–80 days from planting to first harvest.
Open plannerPlanting calendar for USDA Zones 11–13
- Spring planting
- October to January
- Fall planting
- Not recommended
- Days to harvest
- 60–80 days
- Water needs
- high
What USDA Zones 11–13 do—and do not—tell you
These zones span average annual extreme minimum temperatures of roughly 40°F to 70°F. That is useful climate context, but it does not determine your exact frost dates. Check a local forecast or county Extension calendar before planting tender crops.
How to know when to harvest
- Head is tight and firm, 4-7 inches across
- Individual buds are still tightly closed (not flowering)
- If buds start to loosen or turn yellow, harvest immediately — it's about to flower
Want a plan that accounts for your crops, growing method, equipment, and plant conditions? Open the free planner for a daily crop checklist and adaptive harvest forecast.
About this field guide
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