Karval, CO frost dates
How Karval compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Karval falls between April 28 and May 23, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 25 and October 18.
- The median last frost is 2 days earlier than the Colorado median of May 11.
- Its 150-day growing season is longer than 55% of the 374 Colorado places with a regular frost season (state median 146 days).
- The last frost is 8 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 169 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Pueblo, CO, 110 km away, the last frost here is 9 days later than there and the growing season is 12 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 28 |
| 50% (median) | May 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 23 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 25 |
| 50% (median) | October 6 |
| 90% (late) | October 18 |
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 Karval, CO
Karval, CO frost dates — last frost May 9, first frost Oct 6, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Karval, CO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Apr 11 – May 16 | Aug 11 – Sep 8 |
| Kale | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Broccoli | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Cabbage | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Okra | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | May 30 – Jun 13 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — |
| Basil | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 4 – May 16 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – May 30 | May 16 – May 30 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | — | May 16 – May 30 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | — | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 18 – May 16 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 18 – May 16 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 18 – May 9 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 25 – May 23 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 16 – Jun 6 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 23 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 22 – Oct 27 |
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 Karval, CO weather station, 5 km away (elevation 5,075 ft (1,547 m)).
Frost dates near Karval
- Arlington May 3 · Oct 7
- Wild Horse May 4 · Oct 8
- Hugo May 10 · Oct 2
- Haswell Apr 30 · Oct 13
- Rush May 9 · Oct 4
- Usaf Academy May 12 · Oct 2
- Sugar City May 2 · Oct 8
- Matheson May 12 · Oct 2
- Kit Carson May 10 · Oct 1
- Ordway May 2 · Oct 8
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Karval, CO?
The median last spring frost in Karval, CO is May 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 23, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Karval, CO?
The median first fall frost is October 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 25.
How long is the growing season in Karval, CO?
About 150 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Karval, CO?
Karval, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.