Aurora, CO Vegetable Planting Calendar

What to plant now in Aurora

In October:

• Plant garlic cloves (Oct 1–14)

The list above is for the month this page was built; the box is refreshed in your browser for today's date.

Spring planting dates

“Plant out” means transplanting for crops started indoors and sowing or planting directly in the garden for the others. Each column applies CSU Extension's timing rule to a different last-frost anchor: aggressive = typical date (May 7, 50% risk), balanced = May 12 (30%), safe = May 21 (10%). For hardy crops the cell shows the CSU “as early as” window.

A soil thermometer helps here. CSU recommends checking soil temperature at 4 inches (6 inches for beans) before sowing. NOAA doesn't publish soil-temperature normals, so instead of a date, each crop shows CSU's minimum soil temperature.

Fall planting dates

Latest dates for a fall harvest, using the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension count-back formula: days to harvest (CSU) + 14-day fall factor + 14-day frost-tender factor for frost-sensitive crops, counted back from the first-frost date. For transplanted crops (CSU days are from transplant) the result is the latest transplant date; seeds go in CSU's transplant-age weeks earlier. We add no harvest period, so these dates give you a first harvest by the first frost, not a long harvest.

Month-by-month: what to plant in Aurora

What to plant in Aurora in February

• Start broccoli seeds indoors (Feb 24 – Mar 10)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors (Feb 24 – Mar 10)

What to plant in Aurora in March

• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Mar 10–24)
• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Mar 24 – Apr 14)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Mar 31 – Apr 14)
• Start broccoli seeds indoors (Feb 24 – Mar 10)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors (Feb 24 – Mar 10)

What to plant in Aurora in April

• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Apr 23 – May 21)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Apr 23 – May 21)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Apr 23 – May 21)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Apr 23 – May 21)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Apr 23 – May 21)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 23 – May 21)
• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Mar 24 – Apr 14)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Mar 31 – Apr 14)

What to plant in Aurora in May

• Start tomato seeds indoors (May 4–18)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (May 7–21)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (May 7–21)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (May 7–21)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (May 7–21)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (May 13–27)
• Peppers: transplant outdoors (May 21 – Jun 4)
• Eggplant: transplant outdoors (May 21 – Jun 4)
• Cantaloupe: direct sow outdoors (May 21 – Jun 4)
• Watermelon: direct sow outdoors (May 21 – Jun 4)
• Winter squash: direct sow outdoors (May 21 – Jun 4)
• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 9 – May 7)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Apr 23 – May 21)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Apr 23 – May 21)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Apr 23 – May 21)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Apr 23 – May 21)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Apr 23 – May 21)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 23 – May 21)

What to plant in Aurora in June

• Start broccoli seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jun 2–16)
• Tomatoes: transplant outdoors (Jun 22)
• Peppers: transplant outdoors (May 21 – Jun 4)
• Eggplant: transplant outdoors (May 21 – Jun 4)
• Cantaloupe: direct sow outdoors (May 21 – Jun 4)
• Watermelon: direct sow outdoors (May 21 – Jun 4)
• Winter squash: direct sow outdoors (May 21 – Jun 4)

What to plant in Aurora in July

• Last day to set out cabbage transplants for a fall harvest (by Jul 1)
• Last day to sow beans (snap) for a fall harvest (by Jul 12)
• Last day to sow carrots for a fall harvest (by Jul 16)
• Last day to sow cucumbers for a fall harvest (by Jul 17)
• Last day to sow peas for a fall harvest (by Jul 21)
• Last day to set out broccoli transplants for a fall harvest (by Jul 21)
• Last day to sow summer squash for a fall harvest (by Jul 22)
• Last day to sow lettuce (leaf) for a fall harvest (by Jul 26)
• Last day to sow green onions for a fall harvest (by Jul 26)
• Last day to sow beets for a fall harvest (by Jul 26)
• Last day to sow swiss chard for a fall harvest (by Jul 26)

What to plant in Aurora in August

• Last day to sow kohlrabi for a fall harvest (by Aug 5)
• Last day to sow turnips for a fall harvest (by Aug 5)
• Last day to sow spinach for a fall harvest (by Aug 15)
• Last day to sow radishes for a fall harvest (by Aug 25)

What to plant in Aurora in October

• Plant garlic cloves (Oct 1–14)

Crop-by-crop notes

When to plant tomatoes in Aurora

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rules are to set tomatoes out at least 2 weeks after the average last frost and only once nights are above 52°F. In Aurora, the frost rule alone would allow about May 21, but the average nightly low at Cherry Creek Dam isn't above 52°F until Jun 22, so the night rule sets the date at every risk level: about Jun 22. Start seeds indoors May 4–18, 5–7 weeks before transplanting on Jun 22. CSU notes that nights under 55°F hurt fruit set. The normal low at Cherry Creek Dam climbs to 55°F on Jul 3. Set out on Jun 22, tomato plants would start producing around Aug 26, based on CSU's typical 65 days from transplant to harvest. That leaves 43 days before the typical first frost (Oct 8).

When to plant peppers in Aurora

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule (2+ weeks after the average last frost), set peppers out around May 21 with the typical date, May 26 for a balanced choice, or Jun 4 with the safer 10% date. Sow seeds indoors Mar 31 – Apr 14, 6–8 weeks before transplanting on May 26. Fruit set suffers when nights drop below 55°F (CSU). The normal low at Cherry Creek Dam reaches 55°F on Jul 3. Set out on May 26, pepper plants would start producing around Aug 4, based on CSU's typical 70 days from transplant to harvest. That leaves 65 days before the typical first frost (Oct 8).

When to plant potatoes in Aurora

Semi-hardy crop. CSU says potatoes can be planted as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil of at least 45°F. In Aurora, that's roughly Apr 23 – May 7 going by the typical date, or May 7–21 going by the safer date.

When to plant onions (dry, from sets) in Aurora

Hardy crop. CSU says onions (dry, from sets) can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. In Aurora, that's roughly Apr 9–23 going by the typical date, or Apr 23 – May 7 going by the safer date.

When to plant peas in Aurora

Hardy crop. CSU says peas can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Aurora, that's roughly Apr 9–23 going by the typical date, or Apr 23 – May 7 going by the safer date. For fall, sow by Jul 21 (Jul 8 to be safe), which is 79 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant lettuce (leaf) in Aurora

Hardy crop. CSU says lettuce (leaf) can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. In Aurora, that's roughly Apr 9–23 going by the typical date, or Apr 23 – May 7 going by the safer date. For fall, count back 74 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Jul 26, or by Jul 13 to be safe.

When to plant carrots in Aurora

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, carrots can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 23 – May 7 in Aurora (typical date) or May 7–21 (safer date). The soil should be at least 40°F. For fall, sow by Jul 16 (Jul 3 to be safe), which is 84 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant beans (snap) in Aurora

Tender crop. CSU's timing for beans (snap) is around the average last frost, which is about May 7 in Aurora. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until May 21. Seeds want soil at 55°F or warmer. For fall, count back 88 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Jul 12, or by Jun 29 to be safe.

When to plant summer squash in Aurora

Tender crop. Sow summer squash around the average last frost, per CSU: about May 7 in Aurora. Waiting until May 21 cuts the chance of a later 32°F night to 1 in 10. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F. For fall, sow by Jul 22 (Jul 9 to be safe), which is 78 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant broccoli in Aurora

Hardy crop. CSU says broccoli can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Aurora, that's roughly Apr 9–23 going by the typical date, or Apr 23 – May 7 going by the safer date. Set out on Apr 14, broccoli plants would start producing around Jun 18, based on CSU's typical 65 days from transplant to harvest. That leaves 112 days before the typical first frost (Oct 8). Fall broccoli: set transplants out by Jul 21. The date counts back from the typical first frost (Oct 8) by UNL Extension's method, using CSU's 65 days from transplant to harvest. Home-grown transplants need seeds started Jun 2–16 (CSU: 5–7 weeks).

When to plant cabbage in Aurora

Hardy crop. CSU says cabbage can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 9–23 in Aurora using the typical date, or Apr 23 – May 7 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for cabbage plants is 85 days. Set out on Apr 14, they would start producing around Jul 8, 92 days before the typical first frost (Oct 8). Fall cabbage: set transplants out by Jul 1. The date counts back from the typical first frost (Oct 8) by UNL Extension's method, using CSU's 85 days from transplant to harvest. Home-grown transplants need seeds started May 13–27 (CSU: 5–7 weeks).

When to plant cauliflower in Aurora

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, cauliflower can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 23 – May 7 in Aurora (typical date) or May 7–21 (safer date). The soil should be at least 40°F.

When to plant kohlrabi in Aurora

Hardy crop. CSU says kohlrabi can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Aurora, that's roughly Apr 9–23 going by the typical date, or Apr 23 – May 7 going by the safer date. For fall, sow by Aug 5 (Jul 23 to be safe), which is 64 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant green onions in Aurora

Hardy crop. Per CSU, green onions can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 35°F. For Aurora, that works out to roughly Apr 9–23 (typical date) or Apr 23 – May 7 (safer date). For fall, sow by Jul 26 (Jul 13 to be safe), which is 74 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant radishes in Aurora

Hardy crop. Per CSU, radishes can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Aurora, that works out to roughly Apr 9–23 (typical date) or Apr 23 – May 7 (safer date). For fall, count back 44 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 25, or by Aug 12 to be safe.

When to plant spinach in Aurora

Hardy crop. CSU says spinach can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 9–23 in Aurora using the typical date, or Apr 23 – May 7 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 15, or by Aug 2 to be safe. That's 54 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant turnips in Aurora

Hardy crop. CSU says turnips can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 9–23 in Aurora using the typical date, or Apr 23 – May 7 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For fall, sow by Aug 5 (Jul 23 to be safe), which is 64 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant beets in Aurora

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, beets can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 23 – May 7 in Aurora (typical date) or May 7–21 (safer date). The soil should be at least 40°F. For fall, count back 74 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Jul 26, or by Jul 13 to be safe.

When to plant swiss chard in Aurora

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, swiss chard can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 23 – May 7 in Aurora (typical date) or May 7–21 (safer date). The soil should be at least 40°F. For fall, count back 74 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Jul 26, or by Jul 13 to be safe.

When to plant parsnips in Aurora

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, parsnips can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 23 – May 7 in Aurora (typical date) or May 7–21 (safer date). The soil should be at least 35°F.

When to plant sweet corn in Aurora

Tender crop. Sow sweet corn around the average last frost, per CSU: about May 7 in Aurora. Waiting until May 21 cuts the chance of a later 32°F night to 1 in 10. Seeds need soil of at least 50°F.

When to plant cucumbers in Aurora

Tender crop. CSU says to sow cucumbers around the average last frost, about May 7 in Aurora. If you want only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, wait until May 21. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F. For a fall crop, sow by Jul 17, or by Jul 4 to be safe. That's 83 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant eggplant in Aurora

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is 2+ weeks after the average last frost, which puts eggplant outside around May 21 (typical date), May 26 (balanced) or Jun 4 (safer 10% date). Start seeds indoors Mar 24 – Apr 14, 6–9 weeks ahead of transplanting on May 26. Using CSU's typical 60 days from transplant to harvest, eggplant plants set out on May 26 would start producing around Jul 25. That's 75 days before the typical first frost (Oct 8).

When to plant cantaloupe in Aurora

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to plant cantaloupe 2+ weeks after the average last frost: about May 21 (typical date), May 26 (balanced) or Jun 4 (safer 10% date). Wait for soil of at least 60°F.

When to plant watermelon in Aurora

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is to plant watermelon at least 2 weeks after the average last frost. That's about May 21 using the typical date, May 26 as a balanced choice, or Jun 4 if you go by the safer 10% date. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F.

When to plant winter squash in Aurora

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to plant winter squash 2+ weeks after the average last frost: about May 21 (typical date), May 26 (balanced) or Jun 4 (safer 10% date). Wait for soil of at least 60°F.

When to plant garlic in Aurora

Plant garlic in early October, before October 15 (Oct 1–14), per CSU Extension's Colorado guidance. This window is fixed statewide and isn't based on frost data. The typical first hard freeze (28°F) at Cherry Creek Dam comes on Oct 15, 1 day after it ends.

How these dates are calculated

CSU states its spring rules relative to “the average last spring frost.” We use the 50% date as that average and also show the 30% and 10% anchors. See the methodology for details and limitations.

FAQ

When should I start seeds indoors in Aurora?

Tomatoes: May 4–18. Peppers: Mar 31 – Apr 14. Both windows count back from a balanced (30%-risk) transplant date using CSU's transplant ages.

When should I plant tomatoes outside in Aurora?

About Jun 22 at every risk level, because the night rule decides it. CSU wants nights above 52°F at transplant, and the average nightly low at Cherry Creek Dam first rises above 52°F on Jun 22. CSU's frost rule (2+ weeks after the average last frost) would allow about May 21 here.

What can I plant in Aurora in the fall?

Based on UNL Extension's count-back from the typical first frost (Oct 8), sow peas by Jul 21; lettuce (leaf) by Jul 26; carrots by Jul 16; beans (snap) by Jul 12; summer squash by Jul 22; broccoli by Jul 21 (transplants); cabbage by Jul 1 (transplants); kohlrabi by Aug 5; green onions by Jul 26; radishes by Aug 25; spinach by Aug 15; turnips by Aug 5; beets by Jul 26; swiss chard by Jul 26; cucumbers by Jul 17. Garlic goes in Oct 1–14.

When should I plant garlic in Aurora?

In early October, before October 15 (Oct 1–14), per CSU Extension's Colorado guidance.

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