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A head of broccoli growing among its large leaves
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When to plant broccoli in La Grande, OR

Start broccoli from seed indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11, then plant the young plants in the garden in La Grande Apr 15 – May 20. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 9–23.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

La Grande's typical last spring frost is May 6. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Inland Northwest, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 15.

Inland Northwest. Higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.

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 Feb 25 – Mar 11 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 15 – May 20, 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 Jul 9–23 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 La Grande, OR?

Typically May 6. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 26. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for La Grande.

Is it too late to plant broccoli in La Grande?

The spring planting window runs through May 20. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 9 to July 23.

When should I start broccoli from seed indoors in La Grande?

February 25 to March 11, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the April 15 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in La Grande around the same time

Planting dates for broccoli in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for La Grande · Broccoli in every city