Blog

When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in Weber County, UT

Broccoli rabe (rapini) is a brassica grown for its slightly bitter, nutty-flavored florets, leaves, and stems. It is a staple in Italian cooking.

Weber County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 26 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 118 days.

At an elevation of 6,211 feet, Weber County receives approximately 18.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Broccoli Rabe during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Broccoli Rabe successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Weber County, UT (Zone 6a) Short season
118 days
Last Spring Frost May 26
118 growing days
First Fall Frost September 21

Weber County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (48 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 2 Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Jul 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (41 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 21 Transplant: May 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Aug 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (47 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 15 Transplant: Jun 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Sep 4

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 435 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Broccoli Rabe needs ~725 GDD — county provides 1,711 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Rabe Planting Timeline โ€” Weber County, UT

Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 21 Apr 21 โ€“ May 5
Transplant Outdoors May 26 May 26 โ€“ Jun 9
Direct Sow May 12 May 12 โ€“ Jun 2
Fall Sowing July 13 Jul 13 โ€“ Jul 27
Harvest July 7 Jul 7 โ€“ Aug 11

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

40โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

118 days

Growing Tips for Weber County

Direct sow in spring or fall. Harvest when small yellow flower buds first appear but before they open. Cut the main shoot first to encourage side shoots.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Weber County, UT?

Weber County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 26. Plan your Broccoli Rabe planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Weber County, UT?

Weber County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 26 and first fall frost is September 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Weber County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Weber County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.