Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Broccoli in California

A nutrition powerhouse that thrives in cool weather. Harvest the main head, then enjoy weeks of side shoots.

The Short Answer

California produces the majority of America's commercial broccoli — the Salinas Valley's cool, foggy conditions are globally ideal for the crop. Home gardeners in coastal California can grow broccoli year-round, while inland gardeners focus on the cooler months. Few vegetables demonstrate California's microclimate diversity like broccoli.

California Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of California you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern California Mountains 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b May 1 - May 25 Sep 20 - Oct 15
Central Valley 9a, 9b Feb 10 - Mar 1 Nov 15 - Dec 5
Southern California Coast 10a, 10b, 11a Jan 1 - Feb 1 Dec 10 - Jan 1
Bay Area 9b, 10a Jan 20 - Feb 15 Nov 25 - Dec 15

Broccoli Planting Schedule for California

Northern California Mountains (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 15

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Central Valley (Zones 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Feb 10 - Mar 1 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Southern California Coast (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Jan 1 - Feb 1 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 1

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Bay Area (Zones 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 20 - Feb 15 · Average first frost: Nov 25 - Dec 15

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Growing Broccoli in California

State-Specific Growing Tips

Coastal California: plant year-round. The consistent 55-75°F temperatures are broccoli heaven. Central Valley: transplant from September through February — summer is too hot. Inland Southern California: October through March. Mountain regions: traditional spring and fall seasons. California's dry climate means less disease than the humid East. Drip irrigation delivers moisture without wetting heads, which prevents the rot that humid conditions cause.

Recommended Varieties for California

Everything grows somewhere in California. Marathon, Green Magic, and Arcadia are commercial standards that work perfectly in home gardens. DeCicco for prolonged side-shoot harvest. Coastal gardeners can experiment with specialty varieties like Romanesco (technically not broccoli, but closely related and stunning). UC Davis broccoli variety trials are extensive.

Common Challenges in California

Cabbage worms are present year-round in California's mild climate — ongoing Bt applications needed. Aphids hide in heads. Clubroot in some areas. In the Central Valley, summer heat makes broccoli impossible — don't attempt from May through August. Gophers eat brassica roots.

Growing Tips

Harvest main head while buds are tight. Side shoots will continue producing for weeks after the main harvest.

Companion Planting

Plant broccoli alongside these companions for better growth:

Beets Celery Onions Potatoes

Keep broccoli away from:

Tomatoes Peppers Strawberries

The Bottom Line

Broccoli can be grown successfully in California with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern California Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 25, while Bay Area sees frost end around Jan 20 - Feb 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Broccoli Growing Guide National planting guide with all states California Planting Calendar All plants for California Broccoli in Alabama Alabama planting dates Broccoli in Alaska Alaska planting dates Broccoli in Arizona Arizona planting dates Broccoli in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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