Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Broccoli in Ohio

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

The Short Answer

Broccoli thrives in Ohio's cool springs and falls, producing tight, flavorful heads when temperatures are in the 60-70°F range. The crop's frost tolerance means it can go in the ground weeks before frost-sensitive crops, and fall broccoli in Ohio often tastes even better than spring — light frost actually improves the flavor.

Ohio Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Ohio 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Ohio 6a, 6b Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Ohio 6b Apr 15 - Apr 30 Oct 15 - Oct 30

Broccoli Planting Schedule for Ohio

Northern Ohio (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - 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 Ohio (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · 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

Southern Ohio (Zones 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - Apr 30 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Oct 30

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 Ohio

State-Specific Growing Tips

Spring: start seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks before last frost. Broccoli transplants handle light frost. Fall: start seeds indoors in late June, transplant in late July to early August for harvest in September-October. Ohio's clay soil works for broccoli if amended with compost. Broccoli is a heavy feeder — side-dress with nitrogen when heads begin forming. After harvesting the main head, leave plants in place — side shoots continue producing smaller florets for weeks.

Recommended Varieties for Ohio

Waltham 29 and Green Comet for spring planting. Marathon and Belstar for fall — they mature during ideal cool weather. For continuous side-shoot production, try DeCicco. Ohio State Extension recommends starting with fall broccoli for first-time growers — the declining temperatures favor the crop.

Common Challenges in Ohio

Cabbage worms (imported cabbageworm, cabbage looper, diamondback moth) are the primary pests — Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is the standard organic control. Clubroot in acidic soils — maintain pH above 6.5. Bolting (flowering before heading) occurs when spring temperatures spike above 80°F. Aphids hide inside developing heads — soak heads in salt water before cooking.

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 Ohio with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern Ohio gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Southern Ohio sees frost end around Apr 15 - Apr 30. 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 Ohio Planting Calendar All plants for Ohio 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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