I am really not sure. Since you aren't getting much for a response here, perhaps post in the veggie forum?

Not haveing gardened in zone 6, I can only relate how cole crops are grown here in zone 9. They are best planted in September and are harvested in the early winter. Grown in the heat of summer they will only go to seed. Al

>>all said 80-85 days to maturity

What kind of varieties are you growing?

I've learned that "maturity dates" are usually exaggerated. Instead of from seed-eat days, they usually mean # of days from the time you transplant them at a height of about 6" to the time that they're ready to eat. Hope that helps.

Remember that most kinds of cabbage family plants can tolerate cooler weather. You have until late fall! Please post back on this thread the actual number of days from seat to eat and the varieties that you're growing.

Thanks, everyone!

vrkelley, I've got Romanesco and Waltham broccoli and Violetta Italia and Snowball Self-Blanching cauliflower. I started the seeds on 3/20, so that's been...74 days already? Give or take. Different sites do seem to give different ranges--some say 75 days for one type, but then others say 65-99 days. Hmph! I need someone with a crystal ball! It has actually been quite chilly here, so I don't think temps have been a problem yet, but they will get to be a problem soon!

If the maturity dates are from transplant to eat, then yes, I do have more time. Most sites I've seen have said something like, "Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost; transplant outdoors 4-5 weeks before last frost." Our last frost date is typically around 5/15, and I put them out on 4/20, so yes, a tiny bit late.

I'm partly anxious because this is my first gardening attempt and I'm dying to eat my produce, and I'm also thinking that if they're not going to produce, I could pull them and plant something that might. Then again, part of the appeal of gardening is that plants care naught for the hectic pace of our busy lives, right? :-)

Thank you for your help!