A broccoli plant

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Spring PlantingIndoor Seed StartingFebruary 21 – March 7
Transplant OutdoorsApril 21 – May 7
Direct SowingMarch 21 – April 7
Fall PlantingIndoor Seed StartingJuly 15 – July 31
Transplant OutdoorsSeptember 1 – September 15
Direct SowingJuly 15 – July 31

Climate

New York’s climate varies widely, from cold zones like 3b to warmer zones like 7b. This means your planting schedule might differ depending on where you live.

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Useful Tools for Starting Broccoli Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your broccoli the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.
Seeds Image
Browse Broccoli Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.
Planting Trays Image
Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Grow Lights Image
Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.
Seed Starting Soil Image
Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Garden Tools and Fertilizer

Garden Trowel

A garden trowel is a handy tool that makes transplanting your seedlings easier and more precise, ensuring that each plant is placed at the right depth without damaging the roots.
Garden Trowel Image
Shop Garden Trowels on Amazon

Soil and Fertilizer

Fertilizer is essential for enhancing growth, especially if your soil is nutrient-poor. By enriching the soil, you give your broccoli plants the nutrients they need to grow robust and produce a bountiful harvest.
Fertilizer Image
Explore Fertilizer on Amazon

Other planting guides for New York:

Any questions on growing broccoli? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Broccoli

Starting Broccoli Indoors

Example: If you’re in Syracuse, NY (Zone 5b), start seeds indoors around early March. This sets you up to transplant seedlings outside in late April.

  • What You’ll Need: Seed trays, quality potting mix, grow lights or a sunny window, and a consistent watering schedule.
  • How to Do It: Fill your trays with potting mix, sow seeds about ¼ inch deep, keep the soil moist, and make sure they get plenty of light.

Direct Sowing in the Soil

Example: In New York City (Zone 7b), you can sow seeds directly in the garden in late March or early April for a spring crop, and again in mid-July for a fall crop.

  • Getting the Soil Ready: Work the soil until it’s nice and fine, add some compost, and make sure it drains well.
  • Planting Seeds: Sow seeds ½ inch deep, spaced about 3 inches apart. Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, thin them to 12-18 inches apart.

Transplanting Broccoli Seedlings

Example: For gardeners in Albany, NY (Zone 6a), start seeds indoors in early March, and transplant them to your garden in late April.

  • Preparing the Bed: Make sure the soil is rich in organic matter and has a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
  • How to Transplant: Space the seedlings 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. After transplanting, water thoroughly and add mulch to keep the soil moist.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering and Feeding: Broccoli needs consistent moisture, especially when it’s dry. Water at the base to keep the leaves dry, and use a balanced vegetable fertilizer as needed.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases: Watch out for common pests like aphids and cabbage worms. Floating row covers and organic pesticides can help. Rotate your crops and clean up plant debris to keep diseases at bay.

Harvesting Broccoli: Pick the heads when they’re firm and tight, before the flowers start to open. Cut the main head with part of the stem attached, and the plant will often produce smaller side shoots for a continued harvest.

BeeJay
Latest posts by BeeJay (see all)