Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Broccoli in Florida

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

The Short Answer

Florida grows excellent broccoli during the cool season — the state's mild winters provide the consistent 60-70°F temperatures that produce the sweetest, tightest heads. Like most cool-season crops in Florida, broccoli follows the inverted calendar: plant in fall, harvest through winter and early spring, and remove before summer heat arrives.

Florida Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Florida 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 10 Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Broccoli Planting Schedule for Florida

North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

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

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 Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 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

South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

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 Florida

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Florida: transplant from September through October. Central Florida: transplant from October through November. South Florida: transplant November through December. Florida's sandy soils need heavy compost amendment for broccoli — it's a heavy feeder that demands rich, moisture-retentive soil. Side-dress with nitrogen when heads begin forming. Harvest the main head while buds are tight, then leave plants for side-shoot production that can continue through March.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

Green Magic and Belstar are heat-tolerant and head reliably in Florida's warm winter conditions. Marathon for later planting. UF/IFAS recommends varieties specifically tested in Florida's unique combination of mild cold and high humidity.

Common Challenges in Florida

Diamondback moth and cabbage loopers are aggressive in Florida's warm conditions — weekly Bt applications are standard. Downy mildew in humid weather. Aphids inside developing heads. Caterpillar damage can be worse in Florida than in colder states because the pest populations never experience a killing freeze.

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 Florida with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Florida gardeners work with a last frost around Feb 15 - Mar 10, while South Florida sees frost end around Rare. 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 Florida Planting Calendar All plants for Florida 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

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates