đ„ŠWhen to Plant Broccoli in USDA Zone 7a (2026 Guide)
Cool-season brassica. Transplant before the last frost for spring crops. Here is the cool-season planting schedule for broccoli in zone 7a (covering areas like Nashville TN, Oklahoma City OK). All dates are based on 2026 frost data for your zone.
Start Seeds Indoors
Mar 6
Transplant
Mar 27
Harvest From
May 31
Because broccoli is a cool-season crop, it tolerates light frost and can go out around Mar 27, before zone 7a's average last frost on Apr 10.
- Type: Cool-season
- Method: Transplant
- Days to harvest: 65
- Spacing: 18" apart
- Sun: Full sun
- Zone 7a frost: Apr 10 â Oct 25
- Season length: ~198 days
- Companions: onion, beets, lettuce
Growing broccoli in zone 7a
Zone 7a has an average last spring frost around Apr 10 and a first fall frost around Oct 25, giving roughly 198 frost-free growing days. That window comfortably fits broccoli's 65-day cycle, with room for a second succession planting if you time it right.
Get a head start by sowing seeds indoors around Mar 6, roughly 5 weeks before your last frost. Move the seedlings outside around Mar 27. Give each plant about 18 inches of space in full sun.
Zone 7a specific growing notes
In zone 7a (Nashville TN, Oklahoma City OK), your 198-day growing season means broccoli should be one of your first spring plantings. Cool-season crops thrive in the mild part of your growing window. Monitor soil temperature â broccoli germinates best when soil is 40-75°F.
Your first fall frost around Oct 25 means your last possible harvest is roughly late Oct. For a continuous supply, consider succession planting every 2-3 weeks from Mar 27 through mid-season.
Pro tip for broccoli
Harvest the central head while buds are still tight and dark greenâonce they start to yellow or loosen, you have waited too long. After cutting the main head, side shoots will keep producing smaller florets for 4-6 more weeks.
Troubleshooting broccoli
Imported cabbage worms (velvety green caterpillars) chew leaves to skeletons. Check undersides of leaves daily for eggs. Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) sprayâit is organic and only affects caterpillars.
Growing broccoli in containers
One plant per 5-gallon container minimum. Broccoli is a heavy feeder with an extensive root systemâuse rich compost and supplement with fish emulsion every 2-3 weeks.
Can you plant broccoli twice a year?
Yesâstart fall broccoli seeds indoors in early to mid-July in zones 5+. Fall crops often outperform spring ones because heads mature in cooling weather rather than warming weather.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant broccoli in zone 7a?
Transplant around Mar 27. If starting from seed indoors, sow around Mar 6. Because broccoli is a cool-season crop, it tolerates light frost and can go out around Mar 27, before zone 7a's average last frost on Apr 10.
How long does broccoli take to grow in zone 7a?
About 65 days from transplanting to first harvest. A Mar 27 planting in zone 7a is typically ready to pick from around May 31. Zone 7a has about 198 frost-free days â plenty of time for a second succession planting.
How far apart should I space broccoli?
Space broccoli about 18 inches apart in full sun. This gives each plant enough room for roots to spread and leaves to catch sunlight without competing.
What is the best tip for growing broccoli?
Harvest the central head while buds are still tight and dark greenâonce they start to yellow or loosen, you have waited too long. After cutting the main head, side shoots will keep producing smaller florets for 4-6 more weeks.
What are common problems with broccoli and how do I fix them?
Imported cabbage worms (velvety green caterpillars) chew leaves to skeletons. Check undersides of leaves daily for eggs. Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) sprayâit is organic and only affects caterpillars.
Can I grow broccoli in a container?
One plant per 5-gallon container minimum. Broccoli is a heavy feeder with an extensive root systemâuse rich compost and supplement with fish emulsion every 2-3 weeks.
Can I plant a second crop of broccoli for fall harvest?
Yesâstart fall broccoli seeds indoors in early to mid-July in zones 5+. Fall crops often outperform spring ones because heads mature in cooling weather rather than warming weather.
What grows well next to broccoli?
Good companion plants for broccoli are onion, beets, lettuce. Avoid planting near warm-season crops that compete for space and nutrients. Broccoli also benefits from crop rotation â do not plant it in the same spot year after year.