In zone 7, set broccoli transplants outside from March 20 to April 3, two to four weeks before your last spring frost. Start seeds indoors from February 6 to February 20. For a fall crop, transplant by about August 21.
Broccoli dates for your ZIP code
Planting times based on university extension guidance (UNH, Cornell, Purdue, Minnesota, Nebraska and UMass Extension). Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Broccoli timing in zone 7
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Start indoors | February 6 – February 20 |
| Transplant outside | March 20 – April 3 |
| First harvest | May 19 – June 22 |
| Transplant for fall by | August 21 |
| Side-dress | Three weeks after transplanting, and again after cutting the main head |
| Cut the main head | When it is 4–6 inches across, before yellow flowers show |
| Start fall seedlings | Midsummer, 4–6 weeks before transplanting |
Most of zone 7 sees its last spring frost between April 10 and April 26 (typical April 17) and its first fall frost between October 18 and October 29 (typical October 23). Broccoli handles light frost, but long cold spells on young plants can cause tiny, early heads. The tool above uses the weather station closest to your ZIP code.
Why broccoli is planted before the last frost
Broccoli is a cool-season crop. It tolerates light frost and forms its best heads in mild weather. In heat, heads loosen and the yellow flowers open early. That is why transplants go out two to four weeks before the last spring frost, and why broccoli is grown again in late summer for a fall harvest.
Best broccoli varieties for zone 7
In zone 7, broccoli grows in spring and fall, and the fall crop is often the bigger one. Choose by type:
- Heading broccoli, with a large central head and side shoots. Newer heat-tolerant varieties stretch the spring season.
- Sprouting broccoli, with many small heads.
- Romanesco, best grown for fall.
- Broccoli raab, a fast leafy relative sown directly in the garden.
How to plant broccoli
- Start seeds indoors four to six weeks before transplanting, ¼–½ inch deep.
- Transplant young, vigorous plants. Avoid plants that are overgrown or dried out in their pots.
- Space plants 16–24 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart.
- Use a starter fertilizer at planting, then side-dress three weeks later.
- Keep the soil evenly moist. Severe drought causes small heads.
Zone 7 broccoli tips
- Plant early in spring. Broccoli that heads in hot weather bolts and shows yellow flowers early.
- Grow a fall crop. Start seeds in midsummer and set out transplants in late summer. Fall broccoli often yields more than spring broccoli.
- Expect fewer pests after frost. Cabbage worms are worst in fall plantings and drop off sharply around the first frost.
- Feed for side shoots after cutting the main head.
Harvesting broccoli
Cut the main head when it is 4–6 inches across and the buds are tight and green, before any yellow flowers appear. Leave 5–6 inches of stem. Side shoots then grow from the leaf joints and give you smaller heads for several weeks. Most heading broccoli is ready 55–65 days after transplanting.
Broccoli planting dates in nearby zones
See dates for every zone on the broccoli planting guide, or build a full schedule with the planting calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to plant broccoli in zone 7 in April?
For spring, yes. Plant a fall crop instead: start seeds in midsummer and transplant by about August 21.
Spring or fall broccoli: which is better in zone 7?
Fall broccoli often does better. It matures in cooling weather, so heads stay tight longer.
Can broccoli handle frost?
Yes, light frost. Broccoli is a cool-season crop set out two to four weeks before your last spring frost. Long cold spells on young plants can cause small heads.
Does broccoli grow back after cutting?
Yes. After you cut the main head, side shoots grow from the leaf joints and produce smaller heads for several weeks.
Why is my broccoli flowering?
Heat. Broccoli that heads in hot weather opens its yellow flowers fast. Harvest promptly, and plant earlier in spring or grow a fall crop.
Sources. Planting dates use the median frost dates of each USDA zone, calculated from NOAA climate data for every ZIP code in the zone.