You’ve probably heard a lot of gardeners who want to plant broccoli for a fall harvest. But why aim for a fall harvest? What’s so important knowing when to plant broccoli for fall harvest?
That’s because it’s one of the best-tasting broccoli you’ll ever grow, with many gardeners and gardening connoisseurs growing and selling broccoli harvested during the fall. Besides this, you get more out of your harvest, as broccoli would thrive in cool temperatures. When in warm temperatures, it stresses the broccoli, which would tell the plant it’s time to move on quickly, not giving the chance to grow as big as you’d want.
But the question is: When should you plant and grow your broccoli for a timely harvest? Read on to find out!
When to Plant Broccoli For Fall Harvest
Fun fact: Broccoli is easier to grow as fall crops, with newer varieties expanding the growing season.
To make sure that you can harvest them by fall, count back between 12-14 weeks from your area’s average first fall frost date, or about 85-100 days before your first fall frost. At this time, you should start the broccoli seeds. One can start your seeds during the late May if you’re unsure of when exactly your first fall frost date begins.
You may also try to plant indoors between 6-8 weeks before the last frost in spring, though that means broccoli will be ready for its first harvest by spring or summer. After that, sow them outdoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date, or when you can work on the soil.
Besides when to plant broccoli for fall harvest, you also have to know how to grow fall broccoli successfully. Here are some extra tips you may want to follow when preparing to plant during the colder season:
- Broccoli seeds germinate well in soil temperatures as low as 4 degrees C, though warmer soil is best, which speeds its development. After that, they thrive outdoors in conditions between 18-21 degrees C.
- Make sure that your broccoli seeds have full sun exposure between 6-8 hours a day in moist and fertile soil that has pH levels between 6-7. It’s best to improve your native soil with compost or organic-rich material before transplanting or planting the broccoli seeds.
- Allow your broccoli to grow three feet apart from one another and water it regularly, which keeps it healthy and to avoid overcrowding. Keep the soil moist by watering the plants with almost 2 inches of water once a week.
When you follow proper broccoli plant care, they can begin to sprout 100-150 days, after starting its seeds. This depends on the broccoli variety you’re growing, as it can take as low as 50 days, to as long as 220 days! Harvest during the cool morning hours, and refrigerate the broccoli as soon as you can.
Do you want to learn more about the ins and outs of planting broccoli successfully? Check out this informative video:
Wrapping It Up
Fresh broccoli is one of the top highlights of vegetable gardens, and you can expect to grow crisp and delicious during the early spring and fall. With proper growing (and cooking) techniques, I’m sure you and your entire family will love broccoli!
Hopefully, this article helped you learn more about when to plant broccoli for the fall harvest. Now that you know the answer, start planning when to plant your broccoli at the right time!