Spring broccoli season planning is underway in North Carolina. "The crop is getting ready to go to the greenhouses this month for planting that will start in March for the spring season," says Matt Solana, VP of operations/supply chain with the Jackson Farming Company. This sets up the crop to generally start harvest in the last week of April and into the first week of May, weather-depending.
All eyes are on the weather following an unusual start to 2025's weather in the state. "January was cold for us with most highs being in the 40s°F which is unusual for the whole month to be that way," says Solana. That said, this week the lows will be in the 20s°F and then move to 72°F on Friday.
For Jackson Farming's spring season, it plants 125-150 acres of broccoli in crowns–the predominant market for the vegetable for most retailers. "Most processors also stick with crowns because there's less waste in the stem pieces," says Solana, adding that the 2025 spring acreage looks similar to last year.
Shorter broccoli season
However, the season is on the shorter side wrapping up in the last week of April-early May given June can bring temperatures into the high 90s°F which tends to yellow broccoli.
Just ahead of Jackson Farming's spring broccoli season is the Southern Exposure Show on March 6-8 in Orlando, Florida, where the company will exhibit at booth #533. "It's our best show. All the folks we do business with will be there," says Solana. "It's about reconnecting and also spending quality time outside of the actual booth time, though at the booth, that's where you show people what you do carry, the seasons, and more."
Along with broccoli–Jackson Farming also has a fall season of broccoli in which it plants approximately 300-400 acres–the company will also be discussing other items it carries such as sweet potatoes and melons at Southern Exposure.
For more information:
Matt Solana
Jackson Farming Company
www.jfcmelons.com