Cherry Creek, CO planting zone & frost dates
Cherry Creek is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 7 and the first fall frost around October 8, for a growing season of about 152 days.
Planting calendar for Cherry Creek
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 7) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 Transplant outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: May 21 – May 28 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: May 21 – May 28 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 Transplant outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 13 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 8).
Useful for zone 6a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 26 | May 7 | May 21 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 19 | Oct 8 | Sep 25 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 21, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 25. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 29.
Nearby cities
- Centennial zone 6a, last frost May 5
- Lone Tree zone 6a, last frost May 5
- Greenwood Village zone 6a, last frost May 2
- Aurora zone 6a, last frost May 4
- Highlands Ranch zone 6a, last frost May 5
- Englewood zone 6a, last frost May 2
- Parker zone 5b, last frost May 9
- Castle Pines North zone 5b, last frost May 9
Questions
What growing zone is Cherry Creek, CO?
Cherry Creek is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a (average extreme winter low -10°F to -5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Cherry Creek?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Cherry Creek is May 7. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 21.
When can I plant tomatoes in Cherry Creek?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 14 – May 21. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Cherry Creek Dam, CO (USC00051547), 3.0 km (1.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 1721 m, based on 13 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.