Across the U.S., broccoli ripen from California (early February) all the way to Florida (early December). Hatched chalk is the early and late shoulder; the solid stretch is peak.
Tight domed heads of small dark blue-green beads with no yellow buds opening.
Feel
Heavy for its size with a firm head and a moist, freshly cut stem end.
Smell
Clean and mild; a strong cabbage smell means the head is old.
Tip
Ask for side shoots late in the season — the small second-cut spears are the sweetest.
Keeps
Fridge, unwashed and loosely wrapped, 3 to 5 days.
U-pick broccoli?
Not a u-pick crop; look for fresh-cut heads and side shoots at farm stands.
Frequently asked questions
When are broccoli in season?
It depends where you stand. Across the U.S., broccoli ripen from California (early February) all the way to Florida (early December). In most growing states the peak lands around July — your own state's row on the board above is the honest answer.
Which state has the longest broccoli season?
California, where the season runs early January to late December. Long seasons usually mean a big state with more than one growing region inside it.
When are broccoli in season near me?
Pick your state on the what's-in-season board (it remembers you), or jump to your state's row above — each one links to the full broccoli-and-state page.