FrostCal

When to Plant Broccoli in California

In a typical California location, start seeds indoors Nov 28 – Dec 12, then transplant outdoors Dec 26 – Jan 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 8 in San Mateo and as late as May 6 in Big Bear City. For a fall crop, plant around Oct 16 – Oct 23. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 55–80 days

Start indoors 5-7 weeks before last frost; transplant out 2-3 weeks before last frost (hardens off to light frost).

Broccoli Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplantFall planting
Los AngelesFrost-free: year-round planting
San DiegoFrost-free: year-round planting
San JoseNov 14 – Nov 28Dec 12 – Dec 19Oct 23 – Oct 30
San FranciscoFrost-free: year-round planting
FresnoNov 26 – Dec 10Dec 24 – Dec 31Oct 12 – Oct 19
SacramentoNov 24 – Dec 8Dec 22 – Dec 29Oct 14 – Oct 21
Long BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
OaklandFrost-free: year-round planting
BakersfieldDec 13 – Dec 27Jan 10 – Jan 17Oct 6 – Oct 13
AnaheimFrost-free: year-round planting
RiversideNov 21 – Dec 5Dec 19 – Dec 26Oct 23 – Oct 30
Santa AnaFrost-free: year-round planting
StocktonDec 18 – Jan 1Jan 15 – Jan 22Oct 6 – Oct 13
Chula VistaFrost-free: year-round planting
IrvineFrost-free: year-round planting
FremontNov 19 – Dec 3Dec 17 – Dec 24Oct 20 – Oct 27
San BernardinoDec 9 – Dec 23Jan 6 – Jan 13Oct 17 – Oct 24
FontanaNov 22 – Dec 6Dec 20 – Dec 27Oct 31 – Nov 7
ModestoDec 13 – Dec 27Jan 10 – Jan 17Oct 3 – Oct 10
OxnardFrost-free: year-round planting
Moreno ValleyDec 9 – Dec 23Jan 6 – Jan 13Oct 17 – Oct 24
Huntington BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
GlendaleNov 14 – Nov 28Dec 12 – Dec 19Oct 24 – Oct 31
Santa ClaritaNov 20 – Dec 4Dec 18 – Dec 25Oct 30 – Nov 6
Santa RosaJan 7 – Jan 21Feb 4 – Feb 11Sep 29 – Oct 6
OceansideFrost-free: year-round planting
Garden GroveFrost-free: year-round planting
Rancho CucamongaNov 16 – Nov 30Dec 14 – Dec 21Oct 28 – Nov 4
OntarioNov 16 – Nov 30Dec 14 – Dec 21Oct 28 – Nov 4
Elk GroveDec 15 – Dec 29Jan 12 – Jan 19Sep 30 – Oct 7

Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant broccoli in California?

In a typical California location, start seeds indoors Nov 28 – Dec 12, then transplant outdoors Dec 26 – Jan 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 8 in San Mateo and as late as May 6 in Big Bear City. For a fall crop, plant around Oct 16 – Oct 23. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in California?

The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do broccoli take to grow?

Broccoli typically take 55–80 days from planting to harvest. Start indoors 5-7 weeks before last frost; transplant out 2-3 weeks before last frost (hardens off to light frost).

Other Crops in California

When to plant broccoli in other states

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