Johnstown, CO frost dates
How Johnstown compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Johnstown falls between April 30 and May 22, a 22-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 15 and October 13.
- The median last frost is 1 day earlier than the Colorado median of May 11.
- Its 144-day growing season is longer than 47% of the 374 Colorado places with a regular frost season (state median 146 days).
- The last frost is 9 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 174 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Johnstown shares its weather station with Loveland, CO, 16 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 30 |
| 50% (median) | May 10 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 22 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 15 |
| 50% (median) | October 1 |
| 90% (late) | October 13 |
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 Johnstown, CO
Johnstown, CO frost dates — last frost May 10, first frost Oct 1, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Johnstown, CO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 24 – Jun 7 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 24 – Jun 7 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 31 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Apr 19 – May 3 | Apr 12 – May 17 | Aug 6 – Sep 3 |
| Kale | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Broccoli | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Cabbage | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Okra | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 31 – Jun 14 | May 31 – Jun 14 | — |
| Basil | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 17 – May 31 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 19 | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 19 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 5 – May 17 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | May 24 – May 31 | May 17 – May 31 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | — | May 17 – May 31 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | — | May 17 – May 31 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | May 24 – Jun 7 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 19 – May 17 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 19 – May 17 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 19 – May 10 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 26 – May 24 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 26 – May 17 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 17 – Jun 7 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 17 – May 31 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 24 – Jun 14 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 17 – Oct 22 |
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 Loveland 2n, CO weather station, 18 km away (elevation 5,079 ft (1,548 m)).
Frost dates near Johnstown
- Milliken May 2 · Oct 8
- Mead May 7 · Oct 5
- Gilcrest May 2 · Oct 8
- Loveland May 10 · Oct 1
- Berthoud May 7 · Oct 5
- Windsor May 3 · Oct 6
- La Salle May 2 · Oct 8
- Platteville May 2 · Oct 8
- Greeley May 2 · Oct 8
- Evans May 2 · Oct 8
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Johnstown, CO?
The median last spring frost in Johnstown, CO is May 10. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 22, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Johnstown, CO?
The median first fall frost is October 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 15.
How long is the growing season in Johnstown, CO?
About 144 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Johnstown, CO?
Johnstown, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.