When to Plant Broccoli in Washington

Optimal Planting Times for Planting Broccoli in Washington

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 Washington

Washington State spans USDA Hardiness Zones 6a to 9a, featuring a variety of climates from cool coastal regions to warmer inland areas. Spring and fall planting are both suitable for broccoli, with dates adjusted for specific local climates.

Starting Broccoli Indoors

Example: In Seattle, WA (Zone 8b), start seeds indoors from mid-February to mid-March. Transplant seedlings outdoors between early April and early May.

Required Materials:

• Seed trays
• Quality potting mix
• Grow lights or a bright window
• Regular watering

Process:

1. Fill seed trays with potting mix.
2. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep.
3. Maintain soil moisture and ensure sufficient 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for Washington:

• Tomato Planting in Washington
• Kale Planting in Washington

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

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Direct Sowing in the Soil

Example: In Spokane, WA (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:

• Use well-drained soil 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 Tacoma, WA (Zone 8a), 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.
• Aim for 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. Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering and Fertilization:

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

Pest and Disease Management:

• Monitor for pests like aphids and cabbage worms.
• Utilize organic pest control methods and row covers if needed.
• Practice crop rotation and keep the garden clean to prevent disease.

Harvesting Broccoli:

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