Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Broccoli in Virginia

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

The Short Answer

Virginia's moderate climate supports both spring and fall broccoli, with the fall crop producing superior results across the Piedmont and Tidewater. The crop fills the cool-season gap in Virginia gardens, producing from October through December in the Piedmont and even longer in the mild Tidewater region.

Virginia Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Mountain Virginia 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Piedmont/Central Virginia 7a, 7b Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
Tidewater/Coastal 7b, 8a Mar 20 - Apr 5 Oct 25 - Nov 10

Broccoli Planting Schedule for Virginia

Mountain Virginia (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

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

Piedmont/Central Virginia (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

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

Tidewater/Coastal (Zones 7b, 8a)

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

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 Virginia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: spring transplant from late March, fall transplant from late July. Piedmont/Northern Virginia: fall transplant from late August — the primary season. Tidewater: transplant from September for winter production. Virginia Tech Extension emphasizes fall broccoli for most of the state. In Piedmont clay, add lime if pH is below 6.5 — this both supports broccoli growth and helps prevent clubroot. Side-dress with nitrogen when heads form.

Recommended Varieties for Virginia

Green Magic and Belstar for fall. Marathon for later planting. DeCicco for extended side-shoot production. Virginia Cooperative Extension provides annually updated variety recommendations. For mountain Virginia, Waltham 29 and Green Comet for spring.

Common Challenges in Virginia

Cabbage worms are present from spring through fall — Bt is standard. Harlequin bugs in the Piedmont and Tidewater. Aphids. Clubroot in acidic Piedmont soils. Deer browse brassica plants in the Shenandoah and Blue Ridge regions.

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 Virginia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Mountain Virginia gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Tidewater/Coastal sees frost end around Mar 20 - Apr 5. 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 Virginia Planting Calendar All plants for Virginia 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

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates