Broccoli · last checked 2026-09-27
When to harvest broccoli: head size, tight buds, planting
Broccoli is a cool-season crop grown for its flower buds, so the harvest window is before those buds open. Spring and fall crops are both common.
Each line names the Extension service it comes from and links to their page. Where the two services give different spacing, both are shown.
When to plant
- Illinois Extension says transplants go out in early spring; for fall, count back from your first fall frost using the days to harvest plus about 10 days. Broccoli (Home Vegetable Gardening) · checked 2026-09-27
- Clemson Cooperative Extension says broccoli does best in South Carolina as a fall crop; spring plantings must go in early enough to finish before the heat. Broccoli (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27
State planting dates
| Who says | Region | Planting window | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson Cooperative Extension says | South Carolina, Piedmont counties | Transplants, spring: March 20 to April 30. Fall: August 15 to September 15. | Broccoli (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27 |
| Clemson Cooperative Extension says | South Carolina, Coastal Plain counties | Transplants, spring: March 1 to April 10. Fall: September 1 to September 30. | Broccoli (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27 |
Spacing
- Illinois Extension says plants stand 18 to 24 inches apart with 36 inches between rows, or one foot apart each way in beds. Broccoli (Home Vegetable Gardening) · checked 2026-09-27
- Clemson Cooperative Extension says rows are 3 feet apart with 1½ to 2 feet between plants. Broccoli (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27
Harvest
- Illinois Extension says cut the central head with 5 to 6 inches of stem once it is full size but before the buds loosen or show yellow; side shoots then keep coming for several weeks. Broccoli (Home Vegetable Gardening) · checked 2026-09-27
- Clemson Cooperative Extension says heads are usually ready 50 to 90 days after transplanting, cut when 3 to 6 inches across with buds still tight, about 6 inches below the head. Broccoli (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27
Unless a line says otherwise, weeks are counted from the average last spring frost where you live. Find that date through your state’s Extension service. See how these pages are put together.
Other crops: Blueberry, Garlic, Okra, Potato, Pumpkin, Strawberry, Sweet potato, Tomato.