When to Plant Broccoli in Maryland
A nutrition powerhouse that thrives in cool weather. Harvest the main head, then enjoy weeks of side shoots.
The Short Answer
Maryland Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Maryland you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Maryland | 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
| Central Maryland | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Eastern Shore | 7a, 7b, 8a | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
Broccoli Planting Schedule for Maryland
Western Maryland (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
Central Maryland (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Eastern Shore (Zones 7a, 7b, 8a)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Growing Broccoli in Maryland
Broccoli in Maryland'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 Maryland
Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils along river valleys.
Maryland Climate & Growing Season
Moderate climate with four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Good growing season. Diverse growing conditions across the state. Broccoli can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Maryland's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Maryland: Western Maryland (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Eastern Shore (7a, 7b, 8a) 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