How to Grow Broccoli

Brassica oleracea var. italica · Zones 2-11

Zones

2-11

pH Range

5.5-8.5

Sun

Part Sun

Days to Maturity

70

USDA PLANTS Database•USDA PHZM 2023•ASPCA
Zones 2–11 highlighted on the USDA national hardiness zone map

Zones 2–11·Where this plant growsOpen map →

Continental US shown — Alaska and US Pacific territories sit outside the federal map's polygon dataset.

Growing Requirements

USDA Zones

2-11

USDA PHZM 2023

Soil pH

5.5 - 8.5

USDA PLANTS Database

Sun

Part Sun

plant_species_v5.csv

Drainage

well (dry spells)

plant_species_v5.csv

Frost Tolerance

41°F

plant_species_v5.csv

Days to Maturity

70 days

plant_species_v5.csv

GDD Required

1500+

plant_species_v5.csv

Mature Height

2.5 ft

plant_species_v5.csv

Key Facts — broccoli

  • Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11 (USDA PHZM 2023)
  • Soil pH Range: 5.5 - 8.5 (USDA PLANTS Database)
  • Sun Requirement: Part Sun
  • Drainage: well (dry spells)
  • Bloom Period: Spring
  • Flower Color: Yellow

Source: USDA PLANTS Database, USDA ARS PHZM 2023, plant_species_v5.csv

Bloom & Appearance

  • Bloom Period: Spring
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Mature Height: 2.5 ft

Garden Traits

  • Container Suitable: No
  • Deer Resistant: No
  • Frost-Free Days: 60+

Pet Safety

broccoli is not known to be toxic to pets based on available data.

Source: plant_species_v5.csv

Pollinator Value

broccoli is pollinator-friendly.

Pollinator Value: moderate

Source: plant_species_v5.csv

Where Does broccoli Thrive?

Based on USDA hardiness zone overlap, broccoli can grow in these states:

MassachusettsCaliforniaTexasFloridaNew YorkColoradoGeorgiaOhioOregonWashingtonAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasConnecticutDelawareHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOklahomaPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeUtahVermontVirginiaWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
Free Report

See if broccoli will thrive on your land

Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether broccoli actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.

Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:

Your soil pHYour frost-free daysYour sun & shade

We read public map data for this spot — soil, climate, flood, and parcel records. How we handle your address.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow broccoli in my zone?

broccoli grows in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 11, according to the USDA PLANTS Database. However, zone compatibility is just one factor — soil pH, drainage, and frost dates on your specific parcel also matter.

What soil does broccoli need?

broccoli prefers soil pH between 5.5 and 8.5. It requires well (dry spells) drainage. Your Growable Ground report scores your parcel's actual soil against these requirements using USDA SSURGO data.

Is broccoli safe for pets?

broccoli is not known to be toxic to pets based on available data. Always supervise pets around plants.