Broccoli is a cold-season vegetable that thrives in cooler climates. It is generally recommended to grow broccoli in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 to 10. Here are examples of U.S. states that fall within these zones:
Zone 3: Some states in this zone are:
- Northern parts of Minnesota
- Northern parts of North Dakota
- Northern parts of Montana
Zone 4: Some states in this zone are:
- North Dakota (excluding the northernmost parts)
- Minnesota (excluding the northernmost parts)
- Northern parts of Wisconsin
- Northern parts of Michigan
- Most of Maine
- Parts of Vermont
- Parts of New Hampshire
- Parts of upstate New York
Zone 5: Some states in this zone are:
- Southern parts of Wisconsin
- Southern parts of Michigan
- Southern parts of Minnesota
- Most of Illinois
- Most of Indiana
- Most of Ohio
- Most of Pennsylvania
- Most of New York
- Most of Massachusetts
- Most of Connecticut
- Most of Rhode Island
- Most of New Jersey
Zone 6: Some states in this zone are:
- Southern parts of Illinois
- Southern parts of Indiana
- Southern parts of Ohio
- Southern parts of Pennsylvania
- Southern parts of New York
- Southern parts of Massachusetts
- Southern parts of Connecticut
- Southern parts of Rhode Island
- Southern parts of New Jersey
Zone 7: Some states in this zone are:
- Most of Maryland
- Most of Virginia
- Most of North Carolina
- Most of South Carolina
- Most of Tennessee
- Most of Arkansas
- Parts of Oklahoma
- Parts of Texas
Zone 8: Some states in this zone are:
- Most of Georgia
- Most of Florida
- Most of Alabama
- Most of Mississippi
- Most of Louisiana
- Most of Texas
- Southern parts of Arizona
- Southern parts of California
Zone 9: Some states in this zone are:
- Southern parts of California
- Southern parts of Arizona
- Southern parts of Texas
- Southern parts of Louisiana
- Southern parts of Florida
- Parts of Nevada
- Parts of New Mexico
Zone 10: Some states in this zone are:
- Most of Southern Florida
- Coastal areas of Southern California
- Southern parts of Texas (closer to the coast)
- Southern parts of Arizona (lower elevations)
- Parts of Hawaii
While broccoli is typically grown as an outdoor crop, you can also attempt to grow it indoors under the right conditions. However, indoor gardening of broccoli can be challenging due to its preference for cool temperatures and adequate sunlight. If you want to grow broccoli indoors, consider the following:
- Light: Broccoli requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Place them near a south-facing window or use grow lights to provide sufficient light.
- Temperature: Broccoli prefers cooler temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees F. Avoid exposing the plant to extreme heat.
- Space: Ensure your indoor setup provides enough space for the broccoli plants to grow and spread out.
- Soil: Use well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH for indoor broccoli plants.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer or one that is higher in nitrogen to support healthy foliage growth.
- Pest control: Monitor for common indoor pests and take appropriate measures to control them if necessary.
While growing broccoli indoors can be more challenging than growing it outdoors, it is possible with proper care and attention to the plant’s needs.
Check out the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and find out what zone your zip code is located in here. Or you can use our map to get a general idea of what your plant hardiness zone is.