The Planting Dates for Broccoli in Tennessee

West Tennessee Planting Dates

• If you live in West Tennessee, the University of Tennessee Extension recommends getting your spring broccoli crop in the ground around March 1 through 10, or when soil temperatures are at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants start maturing in roughly 60 days, depending on the cultivar, followed by four weeks of harvesting. The spring season ends around the beginning of June, depending on when you made your first planting. Sow your fall crop on or near July 15 to 22. Slower-growing fall broccoli takes roughly 10 days longer to mature than spring broccoli, although the harvest still lasts about four weeks, and the plants can continue growing after mild frosts.

Middle Tennessee Planting Dates

• If you live in Middle Tennessee, aim for a March 10 through 20 planting date for spring broccoli, or set seeds in the ground when a hand-held thermometer inserted into the soil reads 45 degrees or higher. At temperatures lower than that, seeds germinate poorly or not at all. Expect to harvest your first main head in roughly 60 days, with an additional month of picking side shoots. Pull the plant debris from the soil when the side shoots become too small to harvest, making room for warm-weather crops. Start your fall broccoli crop anywhere from July 8 to July 15. Harvest starts roughly 70 days after planting, extending for an additional four weeks. Your crop will likely still be growing when the first frost typically comes in early October, but should not be harmed by it.

East Tennessee and Higher Elevation Planting Dates

• Residents of East Tennessee and those living in the higher elevations should plant broccoli seeds later than the rest of the state, typically from March 20 through April 1, or when the soil has warmed to at least 45 degrees. Broccoli sets its first head roughly 60 days later, depending on the cultivar, and continues producing smaller side shoots for about four more weeks. In the shorter season of this region, fall planting dates sneak up quickly after summer’s harvest ends. Sow your fall broccoli crop around July 1 to July 8, with harvest beginning roughly 70 days later and continuing for up to one month, past the typical first frost.

Sowing Seeds

• The University of Tennessee suggests you use raised beds for spring planting.The soil warms more quickly, and your broccoli plants are less likely to be troubled by Tennessee’s heavy spring rains. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, allowing 2 feet between rows and 15 inches between plants. Keep soil evenly moist during germination -- soil that dries out and crusts over is difficult for tender seedlings to penetrate. Once seedlings emerge, water deeply during dry periods to avoid stressing the plants. Side dress with compost mid-season. Cultivars such as “Emperor,” “Green Comet” and “Premium Crop” are well suited for Tennessee gardens.

Fall Planting Tips

• Early fall in Tennessee is often hot and dry. Growing broccoli during this season requires special attention from you. Thoroughly soak the soil before planting, maintaining even moisture throughout the germination period. Refresh the soil with compost or fertilizer before planting, replacing nutrients that were taken out of the soil by earlier crops. Plant seeds 1/4-inch deeper than recommended for spring planting, to put them in closer contact with the moist soil at deeper levels. Provide at least 1 inch of water weekly during dry periods. Carefully monitor your plants for signs of insect infestations, which can be more severe in the fall.