A broccoli plant

Optimal Planting Times for Planting Broccoli in Maine

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

Planting Conditions

Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zones 3b to 5b. The state experiences cold winters and cool to mild summers, which makes spring and fall the best times to plant broccoli.

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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.
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.
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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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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.
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Explore Fertilizer on Amazon

Other planting guides for Maine:

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

Starting Broccoli Indoors

Example: In Portland, ME (Zone 5a), start seeds indoors from mid-February to mid-March. This gives seedlings time to grow strong before transplanting outdoors from mid-April to mid-May.

  • Required Materials: Seed trays, quality potting mix, grow lights or a sunny window, and a consistent watering routine.
  • Process: Fill seed trays with potting mix, sow seeds ¼ inch deep, keep the soil moist, and ensure they get plenty of light.

Direct Sowing in the Soil

Example: In Bangor, ME (Zone 5b), direct sow broccoli seeds in the garden from early April to mid-April for a spring harvest and from mid-July to early August for a fall crop.

  • Soil Preparation: Make sure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Tilling and adding compost will improve soil quality.
  • Sowing Instructions: Plant seeds ½ inch deep and space them about 3 inches apart. Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth.

Transplanting Broccoli Seedlings

Example: In Augusta, ME (Zone 5a), start seeds indoors from mid-June to mid-July. Transplant seedlings into the garden from early August to early September.

  • Bed Preparation: Enrich the soil with organic matter and aim for a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
  • Transplanting Guidelines: Space seedlings 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart. After transplanting, water thoroughly and apply mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering and Fertilization: Broccoli needs regular watering, particularly during dry spells. Water at the base of the plants and use a balanced vegetable fertilizer to support healthy growth.

Pest and Disease Management: Watch for pests like aphids and cabbage worms. Use row covers and organic pest control methods as needed. Practice crop rotation and clean up plant debris to minimize disease risk.

Harvesting Broccoli: Harvest the heads when they are firm and tightly closed. Cut the main head with part of the stem, and the plant may produce additional smaller side shoots for further harvests.

BeeJay
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