A broccoli plant

Optimal Planting Times for Planting Broccoli in Oklahoma

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

Planting Conditions in Oklahoma

Oklahoma falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 6a to 7b, experiencing a range of climates from hot summers to cold winters. Both spring and fall are suitable for planting broccoli, with timing based on specific local weather patterns.


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 Oklahoma:

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


Starting Broccoli Indoors

Example: In Oklahoma City, OK (Zone 7a), start broccoli seeds indoors from mid-January to mid-February. This allows for transplanting seedlings outdoors from mid-March to mid-April.

Required Materials:

  • Seed trays
  • Potting mix
  • Grow lights or a sunny location
  • Regular watering

Process:

  1. Fill seed trays with potting mix.
  2. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep.
  3. Keep soil moist and provide sufficient light for strong seedling development.

Direct Sowing in the Soil

Example: In Tulsa, OK (Zone 7b), direct sow broccoli seeds in the garden from early March to early April for spring crops and from early August to early September for fall harvests.

Soil Preparation:

  • Ensure soil is well-drained and enriched with compost.

Sowing Instructions:

  1. Plant seeds ½ inch deep.
  2. Space seeds 3 inches apart.
  3. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart as they grow.

Transplanting Broccoli Seedlings

Example: In Norman, OK (Zone 6a), start seeds indoors from early July to early August. Transplant seedlings into the garden from mid-August to mid-September.

Bed Preparation:

  • Enrich soil with compost.
  • Maintain a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.

Transplanting Guidelines:

  1. Space seedlings 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart.
  2. Water well after transplanting.
  3. Use mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering and Fertilization:

  • Keep soil evenly moist, particularly during dry periods.
  • Water at the base of plants.
  • Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer for healthy growth.

Pest and Disease Management:

  • Monitor for pests like aphids and cabbage worms.
  • Use organic pest control methods and row covers if necessary.
  • Practice crop rotation and keep the garden tidy to reduce disease risk.

Harvesting Broccoli:

  • Harvest heads when they are firm and compact.
  • Cut the main head with part of the stem.
  • Additional smaller side shoots can be harvested later.

BeeJay