Montrose, CO planting zone & frost dates
Montrose is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 28 and the first fall frost around October 14, for a growing season of about 167 days.
Planting calendar for Montrose
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 28) 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 3 – Mar 17 Transplant outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 Transplant outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 Transplant outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 Transplant outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 Transplant outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 Transplant outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 19 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 14).
Useful for zone 6b 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 13 | Apr 28 | May 12 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 27 | Oct 14 | Oct 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 12, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 14.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Montrose
- 81401 zone 6b
- 81402 zone 6b
- 81403 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- Clifton zone 7a, last frost Apr 23
- Grand Junction zone 7a, last frost Apr 14
- Fruita zone 7a, last frost Apr 27
- Durango zone 6b, last frost May 21
- Edwards zone 5b, last frost Jun 6
- Steamboat Springs zone 4b, last frost Jun 9
- Cañon City zone 6a, last frost May 4
- Golden zone 6a, last frost May 3
Questions
What growing zone is Montrose, CO?
Montrose is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 6a.
When is the last frost in Montrose?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Montrose is April 28. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 12.
When can I plant tomatoes in Montrose?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 5 – May 12. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Montrose #2, CO (USC00055722), 0.9 km (0.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 1764 m, based on 22 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.