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When to Plant Broccoli in Iron County, UT

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.

Iron County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 21 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.

At an elevation of 6,296 feet, Iron County receives approximately 20 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.

Iron County, UT (Zone 6b) Short season
133 days
Last Spring Frost May 21
133 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Iron County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (29 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 8 Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Aug 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (28 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 16 Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Sep 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 5 Transplant: Jun 9 🍅 Harvest: Aug 11 – Sep 22

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 523 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Broccoli needs ~1,088 GDD — county provides 1,928 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Iron County, UT

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ Apr 30
Transplant Outdoors May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jun 4
Direct Sow May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 28
Fall Sowing July 23 Jul 23 โ€“ Aug 6
Harvest July 23 Jul 23 โ€“ Sep 3

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 Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing 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 6b

Growing Season

133 days

Growing Tips for Iron 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 Iron County, UT?

Iron County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 21. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Iron County, UT?

Iron County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 21 and first fall frost is October 1.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Iron County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Iron County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.