Model, CO frost dates
How Model compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Model falls between April 20 and May 19, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 28 and October 21.
- The median last frost is 7 days earlier than the Colorado median of May 11.
- Its 158-day growing season is longer than 73% of the 374 Colorado places with a regular frost season (state median 146 days).
- The last frost is 5 days later than the zone 6a median of Apr 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 154 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Pueblo, CO, 86 km away, the last frost here is 4 days later than there and the growing season is 4 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 20 |
| 50% (median) | May 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 19 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 28 |
| 50% (median) | October 9 |
| 90% (late) | October 21 |
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 Model, CO
Model, CO frost dates — last frost May 4, first frost Oct 9, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Model, CO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 11 – May 25 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Apr 6 – May 11 | Aug 14 – Sep 11 |
| Kale | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Broccoli | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | Jul 3 – Jul 24 |
| Cabbage | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | Jul 3 – Jul 24 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | Jul 3 – Jul 24 |
| Okra | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | May 25 – Jun 8 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — |
| Basil | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | May 11 – May 25 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 13 | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 13 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 30 – May 11 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 18 – May 25 | May 11 – May 25 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | — | May 11 – May 25 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | — | May 11 – May 25 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 13 – May 11 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 13 – May 11 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 13 – May 4 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 20 – May 18 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 20 – May 11 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 11 – Jun 1 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 11 – May 25 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 18 – Jun 8 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 25 – Oct 30 |
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 Trinidad Perry Stokes Ap, CO weather station, 30 km away (elevation 5,741 ft (1,750 m)).
Frost dates near Model
- Hoehne May 4 · Oct 9
- Trinidad Apr 30 · Oct 15
- Aguilar May 6 · Oct 4
- Trinchera May 21 · Sep 29
- Walsenburg May 6 · Oct 4
- Boncarbo May 11 · Oct 4
- Branson May 17 · Oct 1
- Weston May 11 · Oct 4
- La Junta May 1 · Oct 8
- Fowler May 5 · Oct 6
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Model, CO?
The median last spring frost in Model, CO is May 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 19, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Model, CO?
The median first fall frost is October 9, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 28.
How long is the growing season in Model, CO?
About 158 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Model, CO?
Model, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.