A broccoli plant

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Spring PlantingIndoor Seed StartingFebruary 15 – March 15
Transplant OutdoorsApril 15 – May 15
Direct SowingApril 1 – May 1
Fall PlantingIndoor Seed StartingJune 15 – July 15
Transplant OutdoorsAugust 1 – September 1
Direct SowingJuly 1 – August 1

Climate

USDA Hardiness zone map Connecticut

Connecticut experiences a range of temperatures due to its USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 7a. This variability means cold winters and warm, humid summers, making timing crucial for planting broccoli to avoid weather extremes.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Other planting guides for Delaware:

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

Indoor Seed Starting

Example: In Hartford, CT (Zone 6a), begin indoor seed starting for broccoli between mid-February and mid-March. This timeline ensures seedlings are ready to be transplanted outdoors from mid-April to mid-May.

  • Materials Needed: Seed trays, quality potting mix, grow lights or access to a sunny window, and a regular watering schedule.
  • Steps: Fill trays with potting mix, plant seeds ¼ inch deep, maintain moist soil, and ensure ample light.

Direct Sowing in the Garden

Example: In New Haven, CT (Zone 6b), direct sow broccoli seeds in the garden from early April to early May for a spring harvest, and from early July to early August for a fall crop.

  • Soil Preparation: Till the soil until it’s fine, incorporate compost, and ensure good drainage.
  • Planting Seeds: Sow seeds ½ inch deep, spacing them 3 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they have a few true leaves.

Transplanting Broccoli Seedlings

Example: In Stamford, CT (Zone 7a), start seeds indoors in mid-February, with outdoor transplanting from mid-April to mid-May.

  • Preparing the Bed: Enrich the soil with organic matter, maintaining a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
  • Transplanting: Place seedlings 18-24 inches apart, with rows 24-36 inches apart. Water thoroughly after transplanting and use mulch to retain soil moisture.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering and Fertilizing: Broccoli requires consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Water at the plant base to avoid wetting the foliage and use a balanced vegetable fertilizer as necessary.

Managing Pests and Diseases: Look out for pests like aphids and cabbage worms. Employ floating row covers and organic pesticides when needed. Practice crop rotation and remove plant debris to prevent disease.

Harvesting Tips: Harvest broccoli heads when they are firm and tight, before flowers open. Cut the main head with part of the stem attached; the plant will often produce smaller side shoots for ongoing harvest.

BeeJay
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