When to Plant in Utah: Vegetable & Flower Planting Calendar
Quick answer
Plant around your local last spring frost: across the 298 Utah ZIP codes where frost comes in most years, the median is May 6 and the median first fall frost is Oct 9 (nearest NOAA station, 1991–2020). Transplant tomatoes 1–2 weeks after your last frost: Zone 5 areas: Jun 2 – Jun 9; Zone 6 areas: May 21 – May 28; Zone 7 areas: Apr 29 – May 6.
Utah spans USDA hardiness zones 4a–8b on the 2023 USDA map (by ZIP code, via PRISM). For the 298 of its 298 ZIP codes where frost comes in most years, the nearest NOAA station’s median last spring frost (32°F, 1991–2020) is May 6 (middle 80% of ZIP codes: Apr 9 – Jun 2) and the median first fall frost is Oct 9 (Sep 20 – Oct 31). Use this guide to time seed-starting, transplanting and fall planting.
Where these dates come from: every date range is counted from the median (50% probability) 32°F last spring and first fall frost dates in NOAA’s 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals for the area shown. The rule under each date, such as “4–6 weeks before last frost,” shows how it was counted. These are averages: in about half of years a frost still comes after the spring date, and elevation, nearby water and microclimate can shift your yard by a week or more. For dates for your exact location, enter your ZIP code in the planner.
How we count planting dates: the weeks before or after frost for each crop come from university extension planting guides: UNH Extension, When to Plant Your Vegetable Garden; Rutgers FS787, Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors; Virginia Tech 426-331, Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide; University of Maryland Extension, Vegetable Planting Calendar; and University of Idaho CIS 1209 (marigolds and zinnias). Bulb windows approximate Rutgers’ rule to plant when soil falls below 60°F (FS1220), and garlic follows SDSU, Illinois and Virginia Tech. Temperature notes: UMD (potatoes), UMN (sweet corn), UC ANR (peppers, hardening off), UMN (eggplant), Colorado State (tomatoes) and SDSU (hardening off).
Utah frost dates by zone area
| Zone areas | Most common nearest NOAA stations | Median last spring frost (32°F) | Median first fall frost (32°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 5 (35 ZIP codes) | Moroni, UT, Altamont, UT, Ft Duchesne, UT | May 26middle 80%: May 7 – Jun 11 | Sep 25middle 80%: Sep 17 – Oct 4 |
| Zone 6 (162 ZIP codes) | Tremonton, UT, Cutler Dam, UT, Richfield Radio Ksvc, UT | May 14middle 80%: Apr 25 – Jun 4 | Oct 2middle 80%: Sep 18 – Oct 19 |
| Zone 7 (82 ZIP codes) | Draper-Point Of Mtn, UT, Cottonwood Weir, UT, Salt Lake City Intl Airport, UT | Apr 22middle 80%: Apr 8 – May 4 | Oct 21middle 80%: Oct 10 – Nov 4 |
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, annual/seasonal freeze-date probabilities (32°F, 50% probability). Station-level medians; your yard may differ.
How this table is built: each Utah ZIP code is matched to its nearest NOAA 1991–2020 freeze-data station (within 60 miles) and grouped by its 2023 USDA hardiness zone; dates are medians across the ZIP codes in each group. Zone groups with fewer than 5% of ZIP codes (15 ZIP codes) are left out of the columns. Some nearest stations are across the state line (Colorado City, AZ, Dinosaur Nm, CO, Evanston Burns Fld, WY, Malad City, ID, Montello - 7Ne, NV, Monument Valley, AZ). For your own ZIP, use the planner.
Utah vegetable planting calendar
Planting dates for each zone area of Utah, counted from that area’s median frost dates (shown under each column). Rows run in calendar order. For your exact dates, enter your ZIP.
| Plant, task and rule | Zone 5 areasLast frost May 26 · First frost Sep 25 | Zone 6 areasLast frost May 14 · First frost Oct 2 | Zone 7 areasLast frost Apr 22 · First frost Oct 21 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli · Start indoors8–10 weeks before last frost | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Cabbage · Start indoors8–10 weeks before last frost | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Kale · Start indoors8–10 weeks before last frost | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Tomatoes · Start indoors6–8 weeks before last frost | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Peppers · Start indoors6–8 weeks before last frost | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Eggplant · Start indoors6–8 weeks before last frost | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Peas · Direct sow4–6 weeks before last frost | Apr 14 – Apr 28Harvest (est.) Jun 13 – Jul 17 | Apr 2 – Apr 16Harvest (est.) Jun 1 – Jul 5 | Mar 11 – Mar 25Harvest (est.) May 10 – Jun 13 |
| Spinach · Direct sow4–6 weeks before last frost | Apr 14 – Apr 28Harvest (est.) May 29 – Jun 27 | Apr 2 – Apr 16Harvest (est.) May 17 – Jun 15 | Mar 11 – Mar 25Harvest (est.) Apr 25 – May 24 |
| Basil · Start indoors4–6 weeks before last frost | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Radishes · Direct sow2–5 weeks before last frost | Apr 21 – May 12Harvest (est.) May 11 – Jun 11 | Apr 9 – Apr 30Harvest (est.) Apr 29 – May 30 | Mar 18 – Apr 8Harvest (est.) Apr 7 – May 8 |
| Lettuce · Direct sow2–4 weeks before last frost | Apr 28 – May 12Harvest (est.) Jun 27 – Jul 31 | Apr 16 – Apr 30Harvest (est.) Jun 15 – Jul 19 | Mar 25 – Apr 8Harvest (est.) May 24 – Jun 27 |
| Onions (sets/transplants) · Plant sets/transplants2–4 weeks before last frost | Apr 28 – May 12Harvest (est.) Jul 22 – Sep 9 | Apr 16 – Apr 30Harvest (est.) Jul 10 – Aug 28 | Mar 25 – Apr 8Harvest (est.) Jun 18 – Aug 6 |
| Broccoli · Transplant2–4 weeks before last frost | Apr 28 – May 12Harvest (est.) Jun 17 – Jul 21 | Apr 16 – Apr 30Harvest (est.) Jun 5 – Jul 9 | Mar 25 – Apr 8Harvest (est.) May 14 – Jun 17 |
| Cabbage · Transplant2–4 weeks before last frost | Apr 28 – May 12Harvest (est.) Jul 7 – Aug 10 | Apr 16 – Apr 30Harvest (est.) Jun 25 – Jul 29 | Mar 25 – Apr 8Harvest (est.) Jun 3 – Jul 7 |
| Kale · Transplant2–4 weeks before last frost | Apr 28 – May 12 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Marigolds · Start indoors0–3 weeks before last frost (3–4 weeks before setting out; Univ. of Idaho) | May 5 – May 26 | Apr 23 – May 14 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Zinnias · Start indoors0–3 weeks before last frost (3–4 weeks before setting out; Univ. of Idaho) | May 5 – May 26 | Apr 23 – May 14 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Potatoes · Plant seed potatoes1–2 weeks before last frost | May 12 – May 19Harvest (est.) Aug 5 – Sep 6 | Apr 30 – May 7Harvest (est.) Jul 24 – Aug 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 15Harvest (est.) Jul 2 – Aug 3 |
| Marigolds · Direct sow / transplantfrom the last frost to 2 weeks after (Univ. of Idaho) | May 26 – Jun 9 | May 14 – May 28 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Zinnias · Direct sow / transplantfrom the last frost to 2 weeks after (Univ. of Idaho) | May 26 – Jun 9 | May 14 – May 28 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Tomatoes · Transplant1–2 weeks after last frost | Jun 2 – Jun 9Harvest (est.) Aug 11 – Sep 7 | May 21 – May 28Harvest (est.) Jul 30 – Aug 26 | Apr 29 – May 6Harvest (est.) Jul 8 – Aug 4 |
| Beans (bush & pole) · Direct sow1–2 weeks after last frost | Jun 2 – Jun 9Harvest (est.) Jul 17 – Aug 18 | May 21 – May 28Harvest (est.) Jul 5 – Aug 6 | Apr 29 – May 6Harvest (est.) Jun 13 – Jul 15 |
| Sweet corn · Direct sow1–2 weeks after last frost | Jun 2 – Jun 9Harvest (est.) Aug 6 – Sep 7 | May 21 – May 28Harvest (est.) Jul 25 – Aug 26 | Apr 29 – May 6Harvest (est.) Jul 3 – Aug 4 |
| Cucumbers · Direct sow1–2 weeks after last frost | Jun 2 – Jun 9Harvest (est.) Jul 12 – Aug 13 | May 21 – May 28Harvest (est.) Jun 30 – Aug 1 | Apr 29 – May 6Harvest (est.) Jun 8 – Jul 10 |
| Squash · Direct sow1–2 weeks after last frost | Jun 2 – Jun 9Harvest (est.) Jul 12 – Jul 29 | May 21 – May 28Harvest (est.) Jun 30 – Jul 17 | Apr 29 – May 6Harvest (est.) Jun 8 – Jun 25 |
| Pumpkins · Direct sow1–3 weeks after last frost | Jun 2 – Jun 16Harvest (est.) Aug 21 – Sep 24 | May 21 – Jun 4Harvest (est.) Aug 9 – Sep 12 | Apr 29 – May 13Harvest (est.) Jul 18 – Aug 21 |
| Basil · Transplant1–2 weeks after last frost | Jun 2 – Jun 9Harvest (est.) Jul 14 – Jul 21 | May 21 – May 28Harvest (est.) Jul 2 – Jul 9 | Apr 29 – May 6Harvest (est.) Jun 10 – Jun 17 |
| Peppers · Transplant2–3 weeks after last frost | Jun 9 – Jun 16Harvest (est.) Aug 13 – Aug 30 | May 28 – Jun 4Harvest (est.) Aug 1 – Aug 18 | May 6 – May 13Harvest (est.) Jul 10 – Jul 27 |
| Eggplant · Transplant2–3 weeks after last frost | Jun 9 – Jun 16Harvest (est.) Aug 18 – Sep 14 | May 28 – Jun 4Harvest (est.) Aug 6 – Sep 2 | May 6 – May 13Harvest (est.) Jul 15 – Aug 11 |
| Broccoli · Fall transplant10–12 weeks before first fall frost | Jul 3 – Jul 17Harvest (est.) Aug 22 – Sep 25 | Jul 10 – Jul 24Harvest (est.) Aug 29 – Oct 2 | Jul 29 – Aug 12Harvest (est.) Sep 17 – Oct 21 |
| Cabbage · Fall transplant10–12 weeks before first fall frost | Jul 3 – Jul 17Harvest (est.) Sep 11 – Oct 15 | Jul 10 – Jul 24Harvest (est.) Sep 18 – Oct 22 | Jul 29 – Aug 12Harvest (est.) Oct 7 – Nov 10 |
| Kale · Fall sow8–10 weeks before first fall frost | Jul 17 – Jul 31Harvest (est.) Sep 5 – Oct 9 | Jul 24 – Aug 7Harvest (est.) Sep 12 – Oct 16 | Aug 12 – Aug 26Harvest (est.) Oct 1 – Nov 4 |
| Lettuce · Fall sow6–8 weeks before first fall frost | Jul 31 – Aug 14Harvest (est.) Sep 29 – Nov 2 | Aug 7 – Aug 21Harvest (est.) Oct 6 – Nov 9 | Aug 26 – Sep 9Harvest (est.) Oct 25 – Nov 28 |
| Spinach · Fall sow4–7 weeks before first fall frost (Virginia Tech) | Aug 7 – Aug 28Harvest (est.) Sep 21 – Oct 27 | Aug 14 – Sep 4Harvest (est.) Sep 28 – Nov 3 | Sep 2 – Sep 23Harvest (est.) Oct 17 – Nov 22 |
| Radishes · Fall sow4–6 weeks before first fall frost | Aug 14 – Aug 28Harvest (est.) Sep 3 – Sep 27 | Aug 21 – Sep 4Harvest (est.) Sep 10 – Oct 4 | Sep 9 – Sep 23Harvest (est.) Sep 29 – Oct 23 |
| Daffodils · Fall plant bulbs4 weeks before to 2 weeks after first fall frost (our approximation of when soil falls below 60°F; Rutgers) | Aug 28 – Oct 9 | Sep 4 – Oct 16 | Sep 23 – Nov 4 |
| Tulips · Fall plant bulbs2 weeks before to 4 weeks after first fall frost (our approximation of when soil falls below 60°F; Rutgers) | Sep 11 – Oct 23 | Sep 18 – Oct 30 | Oct 7 – Nov 18 |
| Garlic · Fall plant cloves2 weeks before to 3 weeks after first fall frost, while the soil is still workable (SDSU, Illinois, Virginia Tech) | Sep 11 – Oct 16Harvest (est.) May 19, 2027 – Jul 13, 2027 | Sep 18 – Oct 23Harvest (est.) May 26, 2027 – Jul 20, 2027 | Oct 7 – Nov 11Harvest (est.) Jun 14, 2027 – Aug 8, 2027 |
About the harvest estimates
Each expected harvest window adds the days to harvest from the sources below to the planting window. Days count from sowing seed (or planting seed potatoes, onion sets or garlic cloves) or, where marked, from setting transplants out; “Start indoors” rows have no harvest of their own. Harvest timing varies with variety and weather, and many crops keep producing for weeks after the first picking. For frost-tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, basil) the window stops at the first fall frost: harvest may end early at the first fall frost. Flowers and bulbs show no harvest window, and kale has no sourced figure for spring transplants.
Sources: UF/IFAS Extension, Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (SP103/VH021), Table 1, “Days to Harvest”; University of Maryland Extension, Growing Onions in a Home Garden; University of Maryland Extension, Growing Garlic in a Home Garden; University of Maryland Extension, Growing Basil in a Home Garden.
Growing notes for each crop
- Peas: Tolerates light frost; sow when soil is workable
- Spinach: Fall crop too: sow 4–7 weeks before first fall frost (Virginia Tech)
- Lettuce: Bolts in heat; succession sow; fall crop too
- Radishes: Fast (3–4 weeks); sow again for fall (see Fall sow dates)
- Kale: Fall crop too (see Fall sow dates); frost sweetens leaves
- Onions (sets/transplants): Choose day-length type suited to your latitude
- Potatoes: Soil at least 45°F (UMD); hill as plants grow
- Broccoli: Cool-season; harden off; good fall crop
- Cabbage: Cool-season; harden off; good fall crop
- Tomatoes: Wait for nights reliably above about 52°F (Colorado State)
- Peppers: Need warm soil: about 65°F is optimal for transplanting (UC ANR)
- Eggplant: Transplant after nights stay above 50°F (UMN)
- Beans (bush & pole): Seeds rot in cold, wet soil
- Sweet corn: Soil 60°F+ (UNH, UMN); plant in blocks for pollination
- Cucumbers: Frost-tender; watch for cucumber beetles
- Squash: Frost-tender; watch for squash vine borer
- Pumpkins: For October pumpkins, many sow in late May–June
- Basil: Very cold-sensitive
- Marigolds: Easy warm-season annual
- Zinnias: Easy warm-season annual
- Tulips: Our frost-date window is an approximation of that soil rule. In zone 9, chill bulbs 12–16 weeks first (Clemson)
- Daffodils: Our frost-date window is an approximation of that soil rule; slightly earlier than tulips is fine
- Garlic: Harvest the following early summer
Utah USDA zone guides: Zone 4 planting guide Zone 5 planting guide Zone 6 planting guide Zone 7 planting guide Zone 8 planting guide
How we count planting dates: the weeks before or after frost for each crop come from university extension planting guides: UNH Extension, When to Plant Your Vegetable Garden; Rutgers FS787, Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors; Virginia Tech 426-331, Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide; University of Maryland Extension, Vegetable Planting Calendar; and University of Idaho CIS 1209 (marigolds and zinnias). Bulb windows approximate Rutgers’ rule to plant when soil falls below 60°F (FS1220), and garlic follows SDSU, Illinois and Virginia Tech. Temperature notes: UMD (potatoes), UMN (sweet corn), UC ANR (peppers, hardening off), UMN (eggplant), Colorado State (tomatoes) and SDSU (hardening off).
Tips for Utah gardeners
- Watch soil temperature, not just the calendar — warm-season crops stall in cold soil. An inexpensive soil thermometer helps.
- Harden off transplants over 7–10 days before planting out (UC ANR, SDSU).
- Ask your local Cooperative Extension office about varieties and timing for your county; find it in the USDA NIFA land-grant university directory.
- Keep weeds down early — see our weed identification guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Utah?
Across the 298 Utah ZIP codes where frost comes in most years, the median last spring frost (32°F, NOAA 1991–2020) at the nearest station is May 6, and the middle 80% of ZIP codes range from Apr 9 to Jun 2. Check the average for your ZIP code, and remember frost can occur after the average date.
When can I plant tomatoes in Utah?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after your average last frost, once nights stay above about 52°F (Colorado State). Typical dates: Zone 5 areas: Jun 2 – Jun 9; Zone 6 areas: May 21 – May 28; Zone 7 areas: Apr 29 – May 6.
What USDA zone is Utah?
Utah spans roughly USDA hardiness zones 4a–8b on the 2023 USDA map (by ZIP code, via PRISM). Hardiness zones describe winter low temperatures, not frost dates.
Other state planting calendars
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