Arvada, CO planting zone & frost dates
Arvada is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 5 and the first fall frost around October 5, for a growing season of about 151 days.
Planting calendar for Arvada
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 5) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 Transplant outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: May 19 – May 26 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: May 19 – May 26 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 Transplant outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 10 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 5).
Useful for zone 6a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 24 | May 5 | May 18 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 18 | Oct 5 | Sep 20 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 18, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 20. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 25.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Arvada
- 80001 zone 6a
- 80002 zone 6a
- 80003 zone 6a
- 80004 zone 6a
- 80005 zone 6a
- 80006 zone 6a
- 80007 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- Wheat Ridge zone 6a, last frost May 5
- Westminster zone 6a, last frost May 2
- Berkley zone 6a, last frost May 5
- Sherrelwood zone 6a, last frost May 2
- Lakewood zone 6a, last frost May 3
- Federal Heights zone 6a, last frost May 2
- Broomfield zone 6a, last frost May 2
- Denver zone 6a, last frost Apr 30
Questions
What growing zone is Arvada, CO?
Arvada is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a (average extreme winter low -10°F to -5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Arvada?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Arvada is May 5. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 18.
When can I plant tomatoes in Arvada?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 12 – May 19. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Wheat Ridge 2, CO (USC00058995), 4.0 km (2.5 mi) from the city center, elevation 1645 m, based on 28 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.