Quick Facts
USDA Zones
3a-7a
USDA PHZM 2023
Last Frost
Apr 15 - Jun 15
NOAA 30-yr Normals
First Frost
Aug 25 - Oct 15
NOAA 30-yr Normals
Annual Rainfall
7-20 inches
NOAA Climate Normals
Common Soil Types
Top 10 Plants for Colorado
Plants well-suited to Colorado's climate, soils, and growing season.
| Plant | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Colorado Blue Spruce in Colorado | State tree, native to Rocky Mountain elevations |
| Growing tomato in Colorado | Warm sunny days and cool nights produce great flavor |
| Colorado penstemon guide | Native wildflower, drought-adapted, pollinator magnet |
| Apple: Colorado growing notes | Western Slope orchards are premier — warm days, cold nights |
| Peach in Colorado | Palisade peaches are famous — ideal microclimate |
| Growing lavender in Colorado | Thrives in well-drained alkaline soils with dry air |
| Squash | Strong producer in the intense high-altitude sun |
| Raspberry: Colorado growing notes | Cold-hardy canes do well in mountain valleys |
| Hops in Colorado | Long summer days and dry climate suit hop production |
| Growing chokecherry in Colorado | Native fruit shrub adapted to high altitude |
Growing Challenges in Colorado
Low annual rainfall (7-20 inches) means irrigation is essential nearly everywhere
High altitude UV and temperature swings stress plants
Very short growing season at elevation (60-90 frost-free days above 8,000 ft)
Alkaline soils (pH 7.5-8.5) limit acid-loving plants without amendment
See what grows on YOUR specific land
State averages sketch the shape. Your soil, sun exposure, drainage, and microclimate decide what actually takes. Pull a site-specific report for your exact parcel.
Read your Colorado parcel
Enter your address. We read your soil, sun, drainage, and frost dates, then score 1,112 plants against the real conditions on your land.
25+ data sources analyzed in seconds
Environmental Intelligence
Understanding what's nearby helps you make informed decisions about where and how to grow.
Total Sites
18,470
Risk Level
High
Primary Concern
281 Superfund NPL sites
Sources Checked
Severity Distribution
Highest-Severity Sites
2077 FIREWORK
Superfund · SUPERFUND (NON-NPL)
7d Tunnel
Mining Sites · Occurrence
ABC ROOFING COMPANY
Superfund · SUPERFUND (NON-NPL)
A. B. G. Mine
Mining Sites · Past Producer
Aburdix
Mining Sites · Occurrence
Know Before You Grow
- •Raised beds with imported soil can reduce exposure risk near brownfield sites.
- •Test well water for nitrates if you rely on a private well. Levels above 10 mg/L require treatment.
- •Mining sites may leach heavy metals. Test soil for lead, arsenic, and cadmium before growing food crops.
Key Growing Facts for Colorado
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3a-7a (USDA PHZM 2023)
- Last Spring Frost: Apr 15 - Jun 15 (NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals)
- First Fall Frost: Aug 25 - Oct 15 (NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals)
- Annual Rainfall: 7-20 inches (NOAA Climate Normals)
- Common Soil Types: Sandy loam, Clay loam, Alkaline caliche, Decomposed granite, Alluvial (USDA NRCS SSURGO)
Zone data: USDA ARS Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023. Climate data: NOAA NCEI. Soil data: USDA NRCS SSURGO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What USDA hardiness zones are in Colorado?
Colorado spans USDA hardiness zones 3a-7a, according to the USDA Agricultural Research Service Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023. Zone designations are based on average annual extreme minimum temperatures from 1991-2020 weather data.
What is the frost-free growing season in Colorado?
The last spring frost in Colorado is typically around Apr 15 - Jun 15, and the first fall frost around Aug 25 - Oct 15, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020). Your specific parcel may differ — frost dates vary by elevation, proximity to water, and local microclimate.
What vegetables grow well in Colorado?
Colorado's climate supports a range of vegetables depending on local soil and zone conditions. Common high-performing plants include Colorado Blue Spruce, Tomato, Penstemon, Apple, Peach. For a specific plant list scored against your parcel's soil, drainage, and frost data, use the Growable Ground report for your address.
Counties in Colorado
Explore growing conditions by county — each has its own zone range and land area.
Cities & Towns in Colorado
Explore growing conditions by city or town in Colorado.