Elbert, CO frost dates
Last spring frostMay 29median date
First fall frostSep 21median date
Growing season115 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone5bZone 5b
How Elbert compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Elbert falls between May 15 and June 13, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 9 and October 1.
- The median last frost is 18 days later than the Colorado median of May 11.
- Its 115-day growing season is longer than 23% of the 374 Colorado places with a regular frost season (state median 146 days).
- The last frost is 28 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 212 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Colorado Springs, CO, 33 km away, the last frost here is 26 days later than there and the growing season is 43 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 15 |
| 50% (median) | May 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 13 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 9 |
| 50% (median) | September 21 |
| 90% (late) | October 1 |
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 Elbert, CO
Elbert, CO frost dates — last frost May 29, first frost Sep 21, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
JFMAMJJASOND
Start indoors: Mar 6 to Mar 20Transplant outside: May 1 to May 15
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: Jun 12 to Jun 26
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: Jun 12 to Jun 26
Start indoors: Apr 3 to Apr 17Transplant outside: Jun 5 to Jun 19
Start indoors: Apr 3 to Apr 17Transplant outside: May 8 to May 22Sow outdoors: May 1 to Jun 5Plant for fall: Jul 27 to Aug 24
Start indoors: Apr 3 to Apr 17Transplant outside: May 1 to May 15Sow outdoors: May 1 to May 15Plant for fall: Jul 13 to Aug 3
Start indoors: Apr 3 to Apr 17Transplant outside: May 15 to May 29Plant for fall: Jun 15 to Jul 6
Start indoors: Apr 3 to Apr 17Transplant outside: May 8 to May 22Plant for fall: Jun 15 to Jul 6
Start indoors: Apr 3 to Apr 17Transplant outside: May 15 to May 29Plant for fall: Jun 15 to Jul 6
Start indoors: Apr 17 to May 1Transplant outside: Jun 19 to Jul 3Sow outdoors: Jun 19 to Jul 3
Start indoors: Apr 17 to May 1Transplant outside: Jun 5 to Jun 19
Sow outdoors: Apr 17 to May 8Plant for fall: Jun 29 to Jul 20
Sow outdoors: Apr 17 to May 8Plant for fall: Jul 27 to Aug 17
Sow outdoors: Apr 24 to Jun 5Plant for fall: Aug 10 to Aug 31
Start indoors: May 1 to May 8Transplant outside: Jun 12 to Jun 19Sow outdoors: Jun 5 to Jun 19Plant for fall: Jul 6 to Jul 20
Start indoors: May 1 to May 8Sow outdoors: Jun 5 to Jun 19Plant for fall: Jul 13 to Jul 27
Start indoors: May 1 to May 8Sow outdoors: Jun 5 to Jun 19
Start indoors: May 1 to May 8Transplant outside: Jun 12 to Jun 26
Sow outdoors: May 8 to Jun 5Plant for fall: Jun 29 to Jul 13
Sow outdoors: May 8 to Jun 5Plant for fall: Jul 13 to Jul 27
Sow outdoors: May 8 to May 29
Sow outdoors: May 15 to Jun 12Plant for fall: Jul 13 to Jul 27
Sow outdoors: May 15 to Jun 5Plant for fall: Jul 27 to Aug 17
Sow outdoors: Jun 5 to Jun 26
Sow outdoors: Jun 5 to Jun 19
Transplant outside: Jun 12 to Jul 3
Plant for fall: Sep 7 to Oct 12
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Elbert, CO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 8 – May 22 | May 1 – Jun 5 | Jul 27 – Aug 24 |
| Kale | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 1 – May 15 | May 1 – May 15 | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Broccoli | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 15 – May 29 | — | Jun 15 – Jul 6 |
| Cabbage | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 8 – May 22 | — | Jun 15 – Jul 6 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 15 – May 29 | — | Jun 15 – Jul 6 |
| Okra | Apr 17 – May 1 | Jun 19 – Jul 3 | Jun 19 – Jul 3 | — |
| Basil | Apr 17 – May 1 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | Jun 29 – Jul 20 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 24 – Jun 5 | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Cucumbers | May 1 – May 8 | Jun 12 – Jun 19 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | May 1 – May 8 | — | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | May 1 – May 8 | — | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | May 1 – May 8 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | May 8 – Jun 5 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
| Beets | — | — | May 8 – Jun 5 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Potatoes | — | — | May 8 – May 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 15 – Jun 12 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 15 – Jun 5 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Jun 5 – Jun 26 | — |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Jun 12 – Jul 3 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 7 – Oct 12 |
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 Eastonville 2 Nnw, CO weather station, 3 km away (elevation 7,211 ft (2,198 m)).
Frost dates near Elbert
- Peyton May 9 · Oct 6
- Calhan May 6 · Oct 3
- Monument May 14 · Oct 1
- Larkspur May 14 · Oct 1
- Kiowa May 16 · Oct 2
- Palmer Lake May 14 · Oct 1
- Elizabeth May 16 · Oct 2
- Colorado Springs May 3 · Oct 8
- Franktown May 16 · Oct 2
- Ramah May 9 · Oct 4
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Elbert, CO?
The median last spring frost in Elbert, CO is May 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 13, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Elbert, CO?
The median first fall frost is September 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 9.
How long is the growing season in Elbert, CO?
About 115 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Elbert, CO?
Elbert, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.