Rainline Garden
A head of broccoli growing among its large leaves
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When to plant broccoli in Baker City, OR

Start broccoli from seed indoors Mar 9–23, then plant the young plants in the garden in Baker City Apr 27 – Jun 1. For a fall harvest, plant again Jun 23 – Jul 7.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Baker City's typical last spring frost is May 25. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

High desert and mountains. Central and high eastern Oregon. Frost is possible almost any month. Use row covers, wall-o-water or cloches for warm crops, and choose short-season varieties.

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

  1. Start seeds indoors Mar 9–23 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.
  2. Harden off the young plants: about a week before planting, set them outside for a few hours a day, a little longer each day.
  3. Plant them in the garden Apr 27 – Jun 1, 18 inches apart. Plant starts at the depth they grew in the pot.
  4. Water deeply once or twice a week rather than a little every day, and mulch once the soil is warm.
  5. Plant again Jun 23 – Jul 7 for a fall harvest.
  6. 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 Baker City, OR?

Typically May 25. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 16. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Baker City Municipal Airport.

Is it too late to plant broccoli in Baker City?

The spring planting window runs through June 1. If you miss it, plant again for fall from June 23 to July 7.

When should I start broccoli from seed indoors in Baker City?

March 9 to March 23, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the April 27 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Baker City around the same time

Planting dates for broccoli in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Baker City · Broccoli in every city