When to Plant Broccoli in Kansas
A nutrition powerhouse that thrives in cool weather. Harvest the main head, then enjoy weeks of side shoots.
The Short Answer
Kansas Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Kansas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Kansas | 5b, 6a | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
| Central Kansas | 6a, 6b | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Southern Kansas | 6b, 7a | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Broccoli Planting Schedule for Kansas
Northern Kansas (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Kansas (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Kansas (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Growing Broccoli in Kansas
Broccoli in Kansas's Climate
Broccoli grows best in spring and fall in your climate. Fall is the superior season — the gradually cooling temperatures favor tight head formation without the bolting risk of warming spring days. Start fall transplants indoors in late June, set out in late July. After harvesting the main head, leave plants for weeks of side-shoot production.
Soil Considerations for Kansas
Prairie soils in east — rich and deep. More alkaline and thinner soils in west. Wind erosion can be an issue.
Kansas Climate & Growing Season
Hot summers with strong winds. Severe thunderstorms and hail risk. Drier in the west. Good growing conditions for heat-loving crops. Broccoli can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Kansas's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Kansas: Northern Kansas (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Kansas (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. This difference matters for broccoli — but broccoli handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.
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:
Keep broccoli away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026