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When to Plant Broccoli in Alamosa County, CO

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.

Alamosa County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 111 days.

At an elevation of 8,366 feet, Alamosa County receives approximately 18.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Broccoli successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Alamosa County, CO (Zone 4b) Short season
111 days
Last Spring Frost May 31
111 growing days
First Fall Frost September 19

Alamosa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (5 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 14 Transplant: May 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Sep 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 19 Transplant: May 31 🍅 Harvest: Aug 2 – Sep 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (3 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 3 Transplant: Jun 14 🍅 Harvest: Aug 16 – Sep 27

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 365 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Broccoli needs ~806 GDD — county provides 1,193 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Alamosa County, CO

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 19 Apr 19 โ€“ May 3
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jun 14
Direct Sow May 24 May 24 โ€“ Jun 14
Fall Sowing June 27 Jun 27 โ€“ Jul 11
Harvest August 2 Aug 2 โ€“ Sep 13

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 Fall Sowing
July Fall Sowing
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 4b

Growing Season

111 days

Growing Tips for Alamosa County

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Level Up Your Garden

๐ŸŒพ Save Your Own Broccoli Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow plants to flower 2nd year; collect dry pods.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35ยฐF, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial โ€” must overwinter roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli in Alamosa County, CO?

Alamosa County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Alamosa County, CO?

Alamosa County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 19.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Alamosa County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Alamosa County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.