Colorado Springs, CO Vegetable Planting Calendar

What to plant now in Colorado Springs

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 3, 50% risk), balanced = May 8 (30%), safe = May 15 (10%). For hardy crops the cell shows the CSU “as early as” window.

Frost odds aren't the only check. CSU recommends measuring soil temperature at 4 inches (6 inches for beans) before you sow. NOAA doesn't publish soil-temperature normals, so we list each crop's minimum soil temperature from CSU instead of a date.

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 Colorado Springs

What to plant in Colorado Springs in February

• Start broccoli seeds indoors (Feb 20 – Mar 6)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors (Feb 20 – Mar 6)

What to plant in Colorado Springs in March

• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Mar 6–20)
• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Mar 20 – Apr 10)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Mar 27 – Apr 10)
• Start broccoli seeds indoors (Feb 20 – Mar 6)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors (Feb 20 – Mar 6)

What to plant in Colorado Springs in April

• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Apr 19 – May 15)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Apr 19 – May 15)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Apr 19 – May 15)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Apr 19 – May 15)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Apr 19 – May 15)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 19 – May 15)
• Start tomato seeds indoors (Apr 25 – May 9)
• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Mar 20 – Apr 10)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Mar 27 – Apr 10)

What to plant in Colorado Springs in May

• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (May 3–15)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (May 3–15)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (May 3–15)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (May 3–15)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (May 13–27)
• Peppers: transplant outdoors (May 17–29)
• Eggplant: transplant outdoors (May 17–29)
• Cantaloupe: direct sow outdoors (May 17–29)
• Watermelon: direct sow outdoors (May 17–29)
• Winter squash: direct sow outdoors (May 17–29)
• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 5 – May 1)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Apr 19 – May 15)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Apr 19 – May 15)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Apr 19 – May 15)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Apr 19 – May 15)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Apr 19 – May 15)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 19 – May 15)
• Start tomato seeds indoors (Apr 25 – May 9)

What to plant in Colorado Springs in June

• Start broccoli seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jun 2–16)
• Tomatoes: transplant outdoors (Jun 13)

What to plant in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs in October

• Plant garlic cloves (Oct 1–14)

Crop-by-crop notes

When to plant tomatoes in Colorado Springs

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 Colorado Springs, the frost rule alone would allow about May 17, but the average nightly low at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport isn't above 52°F until Jun 13, so the night rule sets the date at every risk level: about Jun 13. Start seeds indoors Apr 25 – May 9, 5–7 weeks before transplanting on Jun 13. CSU notes that nights under 55°F hurt fruit set. The normal low at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport climbs to 55°F on Jun 25. Set out on Jun 13, tomato plants would start producing around Aug 17, based on CSU's typical 65 days from transplant to harvest. That leaves 52 days before the typical first frost (Oct 8).

When to plant peppers in Colorado Springs

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is to set peppers out at least 2 weeks after the average last frost. That's about May 17 using the typical date, May 22 as a balanced choice, or May 29 if you go by the safer 10% date. Start seeds indoors Mar 27 – Apr 10, 6–8 weeks before transplanting on May 22. Fruit set suffers when nights drop below 55°F (CSU). The normal low at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport reaches 55°F on Jun 25. Using CSU's typical 70 days from transplant to harvest, pepper plants set out on May 22 would start producing around Jul 31. That's 69 days before the typical first frost (Oct 8).

When to plant potatoes in Colorado Springs

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 Colorado Springs, that's roughly Apr 19 – May 3 going by the typical date, or May 1–15 going by the safer date.

When to plant onions (dry, from sets) in Colorado Springs

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 Colorado Springs, that's roughly Apr 5–19 going by the typical date, or Apr 17 – May 1 going by the safer date.

When to plant peas in Colorado Springs

Hardy crop. Per CSU, peas 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 Colorado Springs, that works out to roughly Apr 5–19 (typical date) or Apr 17 – May 1 (safer date). For a fall crop, sow by Jul 21, or by Jul 9 to be safe. That's 79 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant lettuce (leaf) in Colorado Springs

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 Colorado Springs, that's roughly Apr 5–19 going by the typical date, or Apr 17 – May 1 going by the safer date. For fall, sow by Jul 26 (Jul 14 to be safe), which is 74 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant carrots in Colorado Springs

Semi-hardy crop. CSU says carrots can be planted as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil of at least 40°F. In Colorado Springs, that's roughly Apr 19 – May 3 going by the typical date, or May 1–15 going by the safer date. For fall, count back 84 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Jul 16, or by Jul 4 to be safe.

When to plant beans (snap) in Colorado Springs

Tender crop. CSU says to sow beans (snap) around the average last frost, about May 3 in Colorado Springs. If you want only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, wait until May 15. Seeds need soil of at least 55°F. For fall, sow by Jul 12 (Jun 30 to be safe), which is 88 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant summer squash in Colorado Springs

Tender crop. CSU's timing for summer squash is around the average last frost, which is about May 3 in Colorado Springs. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until May 15. Seeds want soil at 60°F or warmer. For fall, sow by Jul 22 (Jul 10 to be safe), which is 78 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant broccoli in Colorado Springs

Hardy crop. CSU says broccoli can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 5–19 in Colorado Springs using the typical date, or Apr 17 – May 1 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. Using CSU's typical 65 days from transplant to harvest, broccoli plants set out on Apr 10 would start producing around Jun 14. That's 116 days before the typical first frost (Oct 8). For a fall harvest of broccoli, get transplants in the ground by Jul 21 (UNL Extension count-back from the typical first frost, Oct 8, with CSU's 65 days from transplant to harvest). To raise your own, sow seeds Jun 2–16, 5–7 weeks ahead (CSU).

When to plant cabbage in Colorado Springs

Hardy crop. CSU says cabbage can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 5–19 in Colorado Springs using the typical date, or Apr 17 – May 1 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 10, they would start producing around Jul 4, 96 days before the typical first frost (Oct 8). For a fall crop, set cabbage transplants out by Jul 1. That's UNL Extension's count-back from the typical first frost (Oct 8), using CSU's 85 days from transplant to harvest. If you grow your own transplants, start seeds May 13–27 (CSU: 5–7 weeks to transplant size).

When to plant cauliflower in Colorado Springs

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting cauliflower as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Colorado Springs, that's roughly Apr 19 – May 3 by the typical date or May 1–15 by the safer date.

When to plant kohlrabi in Colorado Springs

Hardy crop. CSU says kohlrabi can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 5–19 in Colorado Springs using the typical date, or Apr 17 – May 1 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For fall, sow by Aug 5 (Jul 24 to be safe), which is 64 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant green onions in Colorado Springs

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 Colorado Springs, that works out to roughly Apr 5–19 (typical date) or Apr 17 – May 1 (safer date). For fall, sow by Jul 26 (Jul 14 to be safe), which is 74 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant radishes in Colorado Springs

Hardy crop. CSU says radishes 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 Colorado Springs, that's roughly Apr 5–19 going by the typical date, or Apr 17 – May 1 going by the safer date. For fall, sow by Aug 25 (Aug 13 to be safe), which is 44 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant spinach in Colorado Springs

Hardy crop. CSU says spinach can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 5–19 in Colorado Springs using the typical date, or Apr 17 – May 1 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For fall, sow by Aug 15 (Aug 3 to be safe), which is 54 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant turnips in Colorado Springs

Hardy crop. CSU says turnips can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 5–19 in Colorado Springs using the typical date, or Apr 17 – May 1 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 5, or by Jul 24 to be safe. That's 64 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant beets in Colorado Springs

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting beets as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Colorado Springs, that's roughly Apr 19 – May 3 by the typical date or May 1–15 by the safer date. For fall, sow by Jul 26 (Jul 14 to be safe), which is 74 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant swiss chard in Colorado Springs

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, swiss chard can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 19 – May 3 in Colorado Springs (typical date) or May 1–15 (safer date). The soil should be at least 40°F. For a fall crop, sow by Jul 26, or by Jul 14 to be safe. That's 74 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant parsnips in Colorado Springs

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting parsnips as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 35°F or warmer. For Colorado Springs, that's roughly Apr 19 – May 3 by the typical date or May 1–15 by the safer date.

When to plant sweet corn in Colorado Springs

Tender crop. Sow sweet corn around the average last frost, per CSU: about May 3 in Colorado Springs. Waiting until May 15 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 Colorado Springs

Tender crop. CSU's timing for cucumbers is around the average last frost, which is about May 3 in Colorado Springs. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until May 15. Seeds want soil at 60°F or warmer. For a fall crop, sow by Jul 17, or by Jul 5 to be safe. That's 83 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant eggplant in Colorado Springs

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is 2+ weeks after the average last frost, which puts eggplant outside around May 17 (typical date), May 22 (balanced) or May 29 (safer 10% date). Start seeds indoors Mar 20 – Apr 10, 6–9 weeks ahead of transplanting on May 22. Using CSU's typical 60 days from transplant to harvest, eggplant plants set out on May 22 would start producing around Jul 21. That's 79 days before the typical first frost (Oct 8).

When to plant cantaloupe in Colorado Springs

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule of 2+ weeks after the average last frost, plant cantaloupe around May 17 at the earliest, May 22 as a balanced choice, or May 29 to be safe. CSU's minimum soil temperature is 60°F.

When to plant watermelon in Colorado Springs

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to plant watermelon 2+ weeks after the average last frost: about May 17 (typical date), May 22 (balanced) or May 29 (safer 10% date). Wait for soil of at least 60°F.

When to plant winter squash in Colorado Springs

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to plant winter squash 2+ weeks after the average last frost: about May 17 (typical date), May 22 (balanced) or May 29 (safer 10% date). Wait for soil of at least 60°F.

When to plant garlic in Colorado Springs

CSU Extension's Colorado guidance is to plant garlic in early October, before October 15 (Oct 1–14). That's a fixed statewide window, not one computed from frost data. At Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, the typical first hard freeze (28°F) is Oct 16, 2 days after the window 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 Colorado Springs?

Tomatoes: Apr 25 – May 9. Peppers: Mar 27 – Apr 10. Both windows count back from a balanced (30%-risk) transplant date using CSU's transplant ages.

When should I plant tomatoes outside in Colorado Springs?

About Jun 13 at every risk level, because the night rule decides it. CSU wants nights above 52°F at transplant, and the average nightly low at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport first rises above 52°F on Jun 13. CSU's frost rule (2+ weeks after the average last frost) would allow about May 17 here.

What can I plant in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs?

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

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