Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Broccoli in Pennsylvania

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

The Short Answer

Pennsylvania's cool spring and fall seasons are ideal for broccoli, and the crop's frost tolerance makes it one of the earliest and latest vegetables in the Pennsylvania garden. The state's strong tradition of home food preservation extends to broccoli — blanching and freezing from the fall harvest provides homegrown broccoli through winter.

Pennsylvania Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Pennsylvania 5a, 5b, 6a May 5 - May 20 Sep 20 - Oct 5
Central Pennsylvania 5b, 6a, 6b Apr 25 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Philadelphia Region 7a, 7b Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 5

Broccoli Planting Schedule for Pennsylvania

Northern Pennsylvania (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 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

Central Pennsylvania (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · 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

Philadelphia Region (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 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

Growing Broccoli in Pennsylvania

State-Specific Growing Tips

Spring: start indoors in early March, transplant from mid-April. Fall (superior season): start indoors in late June, transplant in late July. Pennsylvania's diverse soils all grow broccoli well. In the limestone valleys of central PA, the naturally neutral-to-alkaline pH actually helps prevent clubroot. Southeast PA's longer season supports extended side-shoot production into late November with row cover protection.

Recommended Varieties for Pennsylvania

Green Comet for spring. Marathon and Belstar for fall. DeCicco for prolonged side-shoot harvest. Penn State Extension variety trials provide Pennsylvania-specific recommendations. For northern PA, choose faster-maturing varieties for the shorter growing windows.

Common Challenges in Pennsylvania

Cabbage worms — use Bt or row cover. Clubroot in acidic soils (more common in western PA). Aphids inside heads. Flea beetles on young transplants. Groundhogs browse young broccoli plants.

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 Pennsylvania with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern Pennsylvania gardeners work with a last frost around May 5 - May 20, while Philadelphia Region sees frost end around Apr 5 - Apr 20. 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 Pennsylvania Planting Calendar All plants for Pennsylvania 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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