Rainline Garden My garden plan
A head of broccoli growing among its large leaves
Photo: Pexels

When to plant broccoli in Winthrop and Twisp, WA

Start broccoli from seed indoors Feb 27 – Mar 13, then plant the young plants in the garden in Winthrop and Twisp Apr 17 – May 22. For a fall harvest, plant again Jun 30 – Jul 14.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Winthrop and Twisp's typical last spring frost is May 15. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

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 27 – Mar 13 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 17 – May 22, 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 30 – Jul 14 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 Winthrop and Twisp, WA?

Typically May 15. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 1. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Winthrop.

Is it too late to plant broccoli in Winthrop and Twisp?

The spring planting window runs through May 22. If you miss it, plant again for fall from June 30 to July 14.

When should I start broccoli from seed indoors in Winthrop and Twisp?

February 27 to March 13, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the April 17 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Winthrop and Twisp around the same time

Planting dates for broccoli in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Winthrop and Twisp · Broccoli in every city