In zone 8, broccoli is mainly a fall and winter crop. Set out fall transplants by about September 2, starting seeds indoors 4–6 weeks earlier. For spring, transplant from March 3 to March 17, so the heads form before the heat.
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 8
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Start indoors | January 20 – February 3 |
| Transplant outside | March 3 – March 17 |
| First harvest | May 2 – June 5 |
| Transplant for fall by | September 2 |
| Main season | Fall and winter |
| Start fall seedlings | Late summer, 4–6 weeks before transplanting |
| Cut the main head | When it is 4–6 inches across, before yellow flowers show |
Most of zone 8 sees its last spring frost between March 25 and April 6 (typical March 31) and its first fall frost between October 31 and November 9 (typical November 4). 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 8
In zone 8, broccoli grows best through the cool months. Choose by type:
- Heading broccoli, ideally a heat-tolerant variety for spring plantings.
- Sprouting broccoli, with many small heads over a long season.
- Broccoli raab, fast and leafy, 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 8 broccoli tips
- Make fall your main season. Transplant in late summer or early fall, once the worst heat has passed.
- Plant spring broccoli early. Heads that form in hot weather loosen and flower quickly.
- Watch for cabbage worms in fall plantings; they drop off once cool weather arrives.
- Keep harvesting side shoots after the main head for weeks of extra broccoli.
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 8 in April?
For spring, yes: it would head in the heat. Plan a fall crop, transplanting by about September 2.
Can broccoli grow through winter in zone 8?
Often, yes. In mild-winter areas, fall-planted broccoli keeps producing side shoots through the cool months. Protect it on the coldest nights.
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.