Pitkin, CO frost dates
Last spring frostJun 20median date
First fall frostSep 8median date
Growing season80 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone5aZone 5a
How Pitkin compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Pitkin falls between June 7 and July 2, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between August 25 and September 19.
- The median last frost is 40 days later than the Colorado median of May 11.
- Its 80-day growing season is longer than 3% of the 374 Colorado places with a regular frost season (state median 146 days).
- The last frost is 48 days later than the zone 5a median of May 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 254 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | June 7 |
| 50% (median) | June 20 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | July 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | August 25 |
| 50% (median) | September 8 |
| 90% (late) | September 19 |
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 Pitkin, CO
Pitkin, CO frost dates — last frost Jun 20, first frost Sep 8, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
JFMAMJJASOND
Start indoors: Mar 28 to Apr 11Transplant outside: May 23 to Jun 6
Start indoors: Apr 11 to Apr 25Transplant outside: Jul 4 to Jul 18
Start indoors: Apr 11 to Apr 25Transplant outside: Jul 4 to Jul 18
Start indoors: Apr 25 to May 9Transplant outside: Jun 27 to Jul 11
Start indoors: Apr 25 to May 9Transplant outside: May 30 to Jun 13Sow outdoors: May 23 to Jun 27Plant for fall: Jul 14 to Aug 11
Start indoors: Apr 25 to May 9Transplant outside: May 23 to Jun 6Sow outdoors: May 23 to Jun 6
Start indoors: Apr 25 to May 9Transplant outside: Jun 6 to Jun 20
Start indoors: Apr 25 to May 9Transplant outside: May 30 to Jun 13
Start indoors: Apr 25 to May 9Transplant outside: Jun 6 to Jun 20
Start indoors: May 9 to May 23Transplant outside: Jul 11 to Jul 25Sow outdoors: Jul 11 to Jul 25
Start indoors: May 9 to May 23Transplant outside: Jun 27 to Jul 11
Sow outdoors: May 9 to May 30
Sow outdoors: May 9 to May 30Plant for fall: Jul 14 to Aug 4
Sow outdoors: May 16 to Jun 27Plant for fall: Jul 28 to Aug 18
Start indoors: May 23 to May 30Transplant outside: Jul 4 to Jul 11Sow outdoors: Jun 27 to Jul 11
Start indoors: May 23 to May 30Sow outdoors: Jun 27 to Jul 11
Start indoors: May 23 to May 30Sow outdoors: Jun 27 to Jul 11
Start indoors: May 23 to May 30Transplant outside: Jul 4 to Jul 18
Sow outdoors: May 30 to Jun 27
Sow outdoors: May 30 to Jun 27
Sow outdoors: May 30 to Jun 20
Sow outdoors: Jun 6 to Jul 4
Sow outdoors: Jun 6 to Jun 27Plant for fall: Jul 14 to Aug 4
Sow outdoors: Jun 27 to Jul 18
Sow outdoors: Jun 27 to Jul 11
Transplant outside: Jul 4 to Jul 25
Plant for fall: Aug 25 to Sep 29
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Pitkin, CO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Peppers Warning: Your frost-free season is about 80 days, which is tight for peppers (75+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 | — | — |
| Eggplant Warning: Your frost-free season is about 80 days, which is tight for eggplant (75+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 | — | — |
| Tomatoes Warning: Your frost-free season is about 80 days, which is tight for tomatoes (70+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | Apr 25 – May 9 | Jun 27 – Jul 11 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 25 – May 9 | May 30 – Jun 13 | May 23 – Jun 27 | Jul 14 – Aug 11 |
| Kale | Apr 25 – May 9 | May 23 – Jun 6 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — |
| Broccoli | Apr 25 – May 9 | Jun 6 – Jun 20 | — | — |
| Cabbage | Apr 25 – May 9 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 25 – May 9 | Jun 6 – Jun 20 | — | — |
| Okra | May 9 – May 23 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 | — |
| Basil | May 9 – May 23 | Jun 27 – Jul 11 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | May 9 – May 30 | — |
| Spinach | — | — | May 9 – May 30 | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Radishes | — | — | May 16 – Jun 27 | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Cucumbers | May 23 – May 30 | Jul 4 – Jul 11 | Jun 27 – Jul 11 | — |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | May 23 – May 30 | — | Jun 27 – Jul 11 | — |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins Warning: Your frost-free season is about 80 days, which is tight for winter squash & pumpkins (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | May 23 – May 30 | — | Jun 27 – Jul 11 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon Warning: Your frost-free season is about 80 days, which is tight for melons & watermelon (85+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | May 23 – May 30 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | May 30 – Jun 27 | — |
| Beets | — | — | May 30 – Jun 27 | — |
| Potatoes | — | — | May 30 – Jun 20 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jun 6 – Jul 4 | — |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jun 6 – Jun 27 | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Jun 27 – Jul 18 | — |
| Sweet Corn Warning: Your frost-free season is about 80 days, which is tight for sweet corn (80+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | — | — | Jun 27 – Jul 11 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes Warning: Your frost-free season is about 80 days, which is tight for sweet potatoes (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | — | Jul 4 – Jul 25 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 25 – Sep 29 |
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 Taylor Park, CO weather station, 24 km away (elevation 9,180 ft (2,798 m)).
Frost dates near Pitkin
- Ohio City Jun 21 · Sep 5
- Parlin Jun 21 · Sep 5
- Monarch frost any month
- Sargents frost any month
- Almont Jun 20 · Sep 8
- Nathrop May 27 · Sep 23
- Gunnison frost any month
- Poncha Springs May 29 · Sep 20
- Buena Vista May 27 · Sep 23
- Salida May 29 · Sep 20
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Pitkin, CO?
The median last spring frost in Pitkin, CO is June 20. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after July 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Pitkin, CO?
The median first fall frost is September 8, with about a 10% chance of frost before August 25.
How long is the growing season in Pitkin, CO?
About 80 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Pitkin, CO?
Pitkin, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.