Field guide
When to plant broccoli in USDA Zones 7–8
In USDA Zones 7–8, the planner’s broad outdoor planting window for broccoli runs from March to April, with a second window from August to September. Broccoli takes 60–80 days from planting to first harvest.
Open plannerPlanting calendar for USDA Zones 7–8
- Spring planting
- March to April
- Fall planting
- August to September
- Days to harvest
- 60–80 days
- Water needs
- high
What USDA Zones 7–8 do—and do not—tell you
These zones span average annual extreme minimum temperatures of roughly 0°F to 20°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.
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