Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Broccoli in Georgia

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

The Short Answer

Broccoli is one of Georgia's best cool-season crops, producing from October through March in the Piedmont and even longer in the mild south. The crop fills the garden gap between summer's last tomatoes and spring's first plantings, keeping Georgia gardens productive through the cooler months.

Georgia Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Georgia Mountains 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Georgia 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
South Georgia 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 28 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Broccoli Planting Schedule for Georgia

North Georgia Mountains (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

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 Georgia (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 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

South Georgia (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

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 Georgia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: spring transplant from mid-March, fall transplant from late July. Piedmont/Atlanta: transplant from late August to September for fall/winter harvest — the primary season. South Georgia: transplant from October. Georgia's Piedmont clay grows broccoli well with compost amendment. Broccoli handles light frost, and frost-kissed heads taste noticeably sweeter. Harvest main heads tight, then enjoy weeks of side-shoot production.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Green Magic for heat tolerance in Georgia's variable cool season. Belstar and Marathon for fall planting. DeCicco for side-shoot production. UGA Extension recommends heat-tolerant varieties because Georgia's 'cool season' is warmer than northern states' cool seasons.

Common Challenges in Georgia

Cabbage worms are present year-round in Georgia — Bt from transplanting through harvest. Aphids. Clubroot in acidic Piedmont soils. Harlequin bugs are particularly destructive to brassicas in the Southeast. Bolting if winter temperatures spike into the 80s.

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 Georgia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Georgia Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while South Georgia sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 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 Georgia Planting Calendar All plants for Georgia 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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