When to Plant Broccoli in Vermont
Start Seeds Indoors
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Transplant outdoors: Sunday, May 10, 2026
State
Vermont
USDA Zones
4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a
Avg Last Frost
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Cities Covered
285
Vermont Planting Schedule by Zone
Vermont spans 5 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Start Indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 5b | Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Saturday, March 14, 2026 | Saturday, April 25, 2026 |
| 6a | Monday, April 20, 2026 | Monday, March 9, 2026 | Monday, April 20, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
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Growing Broccoli in Vermont: Complete Guide
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a warm-season crop that needs a head start indoors before Vermont's last frost. Most Vermont 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 Vermont stretches across 5 USDA hardiness zones (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a), 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 Vermont'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 Vermont 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 Vermont.
Growing Broccoli in Vermont: Local Tips
Climate-specific advice for Vermont gardeners.
Fall crop is superior to spring
Northeast broccoli started in late June for a September–October harvest almost always outperforms spring crops; cool fall temperatures produce tighter, darker heads with better flavor.
Start spring transplants in late February
To beat summer heat, start seeds indoors in late February and transplant under row cover in early April — the goal is harvesting before daytime highs exceed 80°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Vermont?
In Vermont, start Broccoli seeds indoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, May 10, 2026 after your last frost. Vermont spans zones 4a–6a, so dates shift by 1–4 weeks depending on where you live.
What is the last frost date in Vermont?
Vermont spans 5 USDA zones (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a), so last frost dates vary by region. Derby, Derby Line, East Charleston (4a) sees frost until around Friday, May 15, 2026, while Brattleboro (6a) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Broccoli take to grow in Vermont?
Broccoli takes about 60 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. Starting seeds indoors in Vermont gives you a head start so plants are ready to go out after the last frost.
What USDA zones does Vermont cover for Broccoli?
Vermont includes zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a. 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.