A broccoli plant

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Spring PlantingIndoor Seed StartingJanuary 15 – February 15
Transplant OutdoorsMarch 1 – April 15
Direct SowingMarch 15 – April 15
Fall PlantingIndoor Seed StartingJuly 1 – August 1
Transplant OutdoorsAugust 15 – September 15
Direct SowingAugust 15 – September 15

Climate

USDA Hardiness Zones for Arkansas

Arkansas’s climate ranges from USDA Hardiness Zones 6b to 8a, which means it experiences mild winters and hot, humid summers. Precise timing for planting is essential to avoid the extremes of weather.

Starting Broccoli Indoors

Example: In Little Rock, AR (Zone 7b), start broccoli seeds indoors from mid-January to mid-February. This allows you to transplant seedlings outside from early March to mid-April.

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

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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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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
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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.
Grow Lights Image
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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.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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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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Direct Sowing in the Soil

Example: In Fayetteville, AR (Zone 6b), you can sow seeds directly in the garden from mid-March to mid-April for a spring crop, and from mid-August to mid-September for a fall crop.

  • Preparing the Soil: Work the soil until it’s fine, mix in some compost, and ensure good drainage.
  • Sowing Seeds: Plant seeds ½ inch deep, spaced about 3 inches apart. Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to 12-18 inches apart.

Transplanting Broccoli Seedlings

Example: For gardeners in Jonesboro, AR (Zone 7a), start seeds indoors in mid-January and transplant them into the garden from early March to mid-April.

  • Preparing the Garden Bed: Make sure the soil is rich in organic matter and has a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
  • Transplanting Technique: Space seedlings 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. Water thoroughly after transplanting and apply mulch to retain moisture.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering and Feeding: Broccoli requires consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Water at the base to avoid wetting the leaves, and use a balanced vegetable fertilizer as needed.

Pest and Disease Management: Be aware of pests like aphids and cabbage worms. Use floating row covers and organic pesticides if necessary. Rotate crops and remove plant debris to prevent disease.

Harvesting Broccoli: Harvest the heads when they are 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.

Other planting guides for Arkansas:

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

BeeJay
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