Cascade, CO frost dates
How Cascade compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Cascade falls between May 21 and June 23, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between August 30 and September 30.
- The median last frost is 23 days later than the Colorado median of May 11.
- Its 106-day growing season is longer than 16% of the 374 Colorado places with a regular frost season (state median 146 days).
- The last frost is 33 days later than the zone 5b median of May 1. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 240 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Colorado Springs, CO, 19 km away, the last frost here is 31 days later than there and the growing season is 52 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 21 |
| 50% (median) | June 3 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 23 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | August 30 |
| 50% (median) | September 17 |
| 90% (late) | September 30 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Cascade, CO
Cascade, CO frost dates — last frost Jun 3, first frost Sep 17, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Cascade, CO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Jun 17 – Jul 1 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Jun 17 – Jul 1 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | May 13 – May 27 | May 6 – Jun 10 | Jul 23 – Aug 20 |
| Kale | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | May 6 – May 20 | May 6 – May 20 | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Broccoli | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Cabbage | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Okra | Apr 22 – May 6 | Jun 24 – Jul 8 | Jun 24 – Jul 8 | — |
| Basil | Apr 22 – May 6 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 29 – Jun 10 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Cucumbers | May 6 – May 13 | Jun 17 – Jun 24 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 | — |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | May 6 – May 13 | — | Jun 10 – Jun 24 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins Warning: Your frost-free season is about 106 days, which is tight for winter squash & pumpkins (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | May 6 – May 13 | — | Jun 10 – Jun 24 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | May 6 – May 13 | Jun 17 – Jul 1 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | May 13 – Jun 10 | Jun 25 – Jul 9 |
| Beets | — | — | May 13 – Jun 10 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Potatoes | — | — | May 13 – Jun 3 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 20 – Jun 17 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 20 – Jun 10 | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Jun 10 – Jul 1 | — |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Jun 10 – Jun 24 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes Warning: Your frost-free season is about 106 days, which is tight for sweet potatoes (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | — | Jun 17 – Jul 8 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 3 – Oct 8 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Ruxton Park, CO weather station, 6 km away (elevation 9,062 ft (2,762 m)).
Frost dates near Cascade
- Green Mountain Falls Jun 3 · Sep 17
- Manitou Springs Jun 3 · Sep 17
- Woodland Park Jun 1 · Sep 21
- Cripple Creek May 26 · Sep 26
- Colorado Springs May 3 · Oct 8
- Divide Jun 1 · Sep 21
- Monument May 14 · Oct 1
- Palmer Lake May 14 · Oct 1
- Victor May 26 · Sep 26
- Florissant frost any month
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Cascade, CO?
The median last spring frost in Cascade, CO is June 3. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 23, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Cascade, CO?
The median first fall frost is September 17, with about a 10% chance of frost before August 30.
How long is the growing season in Cascade, CO?
About 106 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Cascade, CO?
Cascade, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.