When to plant broccoli in Ashland and Talent, OR

Start broccoli from seed indoors Feb 18 – Mar 4, then plant the young plants in the garden in Ashland and Talent Apr 8 – May 13. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 16–30.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Ashland and Talent's typical last spring frost is May 6. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

West-side valleys. The Willamette Valley, Puget Sound and southern Oregon valleys. Long frost-free seasons, but soil stays cold and wet into May, so warm crops wait for warm soil, not just the last frost.

Difficulty: Moderate
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 18 inches apart
Planting depth: Plant starts at the depth they grew in the pot
Frost: Handles light frost
First harvest: About 70 days after planting

Step by step

Start seeds indoors Feb 18 – Mar 4 in trays or small pots under a grow light or in your sunniest window. Or skip this step and buy young plants (starts) at a garden center.
Harden off the young plants: about a week before planting, set them outside for a few hours a day, a little longer each day.
Plant them in the garden Apr 8 – May 13, 18 inches apart. Plant starts at the depth they grew in the pot.
Water deeply once or twice a week rather than a little every day, and mulch once the soil is warm.
Plant again Jul 16–30 for a fall harvest.
Harvest: Cut the main head while the buds are tight and dark green. Side shoots follow for weeks.

Varieties that do well here

Packman
Green Magic
Purple Sprouting (overwinters west of the Cascades)

Watch out for

Cabbage worms and aphids. Cover young plants with insect netting.

Harvest the main head while buds are tight; side shoots follow for weeks.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Ashland and Talent, OR?

Typically May 6. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 27. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Ashland.

Is it too late to plant broccoli in Ashland and Talent?

The spring planting window runs through May 13. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 16 to July 30.

When should I start broccoli from seed indoors in Ashland and Talent?

February 18 to March 4, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the April 8 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Ashland and Talent around the same time

Planting dates for broccoli in nearby areas

Roseburg, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19
Medford, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19
Grants Pass, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19
Portland, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19
Gresham, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19
Wilsonville and Canby, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19

Full planting calendar for Ashland and Talent · Broccoli in every city