When to Plant Broccoli in West Virginia

Optimal Planting Times for Planting Broccoli in West Virginia

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Spring Planting	Indoor Seed Starting	February 15 – March 15
	Transplant Outdoors	April 1 – May 1
	Direct Sowing	March 15 – April 15
Fall Planting	Indoor Seed Starting	June 15 – July 15
	Transplant Outdoors	August 1 – September 1
	Direct Sowing	July 1 – August 1

Planting Conditions in West Virginia

West Virginia’s climate ranges from humid continental in the north to humid subtropical in the south. This allows for a broad planting window for broccoli in both spring and fall.

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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.

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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.

Explore Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for West Virginia:

• Tomato Planting in West Virginia
• Kale Planting in West Virginia

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

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Starting Broccoli Indoors

Example: In Charleston, WV (Zone 6b), start broccoli seeds indoors from mid-February to mid-March. This timing allows for transplanting seedlings outdoors from early April to early May.

Required Materials:

• Seed trays
• High-quality potting mix
• Grow lights or a bright window
• Consistent watering

Process:

1. Fill seed trays with potting mix.
2. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep.
3. Keep the soil moist and provide adequate light for healthy seedlings.

Direct Sowing in the Soil

Example: In Morgantown, WV (Zone 6a), direct sow broccoli seeds from mid-March to mid-April for spring crops and from early July to early August 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 Huntington, WV (Zone 6b), start seeds indoors from mid-June to mid-July. Transplant seedlings into the garden from early August to early 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 thoroughly after transplanting.
3. Use mulch to help retain moisture and regulate temperature.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering and Fertilization:

• Keep the soil consistently moist.
• Water at the base of plants to avoid wetting foliage.
• Use a balanced vegetable fertilizer for optimal growth.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Look out for pests like aphids and cabbage worms.
• Use organic methods and row covers if needed.
• Practice crop rotation and maintain garden cleanliness to reduce disease risks.

Harvesting Broccoli:

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