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When to Plant Broccoli in Hinsdale 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.

Hinsdale County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 84 days.

At an elevation of 6,833 feet, Hinsdale County receives approximately 23.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.

Hinsdale County, CO (Zone 4a) Very short season
84 days
Last Spring Frost June 18
84 growing days
First Fall Frost September 10

Hinsdale County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 24 Transplant: Jun 5 🍅 Harvest: Aug 7 – Sep 18
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 7 Transplant: Jun 18 🍅 Harvest: Aug 20 – Oct 1
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 18 Transplant: Jun 29 🍅 Harvest: Aug 31 – Oct 12

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Broccoli needs ~862 GDD — county provides 966 GDD Good fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Hinsdale County, CO

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 21
Transplant Outdoors June 18 Jun 18 โ€“ Jul 2
Direct Sow June 11 Jun 11 โ€“ Jul 2
Fall Sowing June 18 Jun 18 โ€“ Jul 2
Harvest August 20 Aug 20 โ€“ Oct 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Start Indoors
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing
July Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 4a

Growing Season

84 days

Growing Tips for Hinsdale 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 Hinsdale County, CO?

Hinsdale County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hinsdale County, CO?

Hinsdale County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is September 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Hinsdale County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Hinsdale County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.