When to Plant Broccoli in Minnesota
Start Seeds Indoors
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Transplant outdoors: Sunday, May 10, 2026
State
Minnesota
USDA Zones
3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a
Avg Last Frost
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Cities Covered
805
Minnesota Planting Schedule by Zone
Minnesota spans 5 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Start Indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a | Monday, May 25, 2026 | Monday, April 13, 2026 | Monday, May 25, 2026 |
| 3b | Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | Wednesday, May 20, 2026 |
| 4a | Friday, May 15, 2026 | Friday, April 3, 2026 | Friday, May 15, 2026 |
| 4b | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 |
| 5a | Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Sunday, March 29, 2026 | Sunday, May 10, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
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Growing Broccoli in Minnesota: Complete Guide
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a warm-season crop that needs a head start indoors before Minnesota's last frost. Most Minnesota gardeners begin seeds indoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026 and move transplants outside around Sunday, May 10, 2026, after the risk of frost has passed.
Because Minnesota stretches across 5 USDA hardiness zones (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 60 days to maturity, Broccoli needs the indoor head start that Minnesota's growing season requires. Starting indoors ensures you have strong transplants ready the moment outdoor conditions are right.
Broccoli requires full sun (6 hours) and regular (1-1.5 inches/week) moisture. Most of Minnesota receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Minnesota.
Growing Broccoli in Minnesota: Local Tips
Climate-specific advice for Minnesota gardeners.
Aim for heads before June heat
Start transplants 6 weeks before last frost and plant out in early April; Midwestern springs warm quickly — every week late you risk the heat that triggers bolting.
Fall crop is very productive
A mid-July transplant produces excellent heads in September–October in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois; cool fall temps slow development and allow tight, high-quality head formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, start Broccoli seeds indoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, May 10, 2026 after your last frost. Minnesota spans zones 3a–5a, so dates shift by 1–4 weeks depending on where you live.
What is the last frost date in Minnesota?
Minnesota spans 5 USDA zones (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a), so last frost dates vary by region. Embarrass, Soudan, Tower (3a) sees frost until around Monday, May 25, 2026, while Minneapolis, Afton, Bayport (5a) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Broccoli take to grow in Minnesota?
Broccoli takes about 60 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. Starting seeds indoors in Minnesota gives you a head start so plants are ready to go out after the last frost.
What USDA zones does Minnesota cover for Broccoli?
Minnesota includes zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a. Broccoli grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.