Durango, CO planting zone & frost dates
Durango is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around May 21 and the first fall frost around October 2, for a growing season of about 134 days.
Planting calendar for Durango
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 21) 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 26 – Apr 9 Transplant outdoors: May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 Transplant outdoors: Jun 4 – Jun 11 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 Transplant outdoors: Jun 4 – Jun 11 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 Transplant outdoors: May 28 – Jun 4 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 7 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 2).
Useful for zone 6b 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 | May 7 | May 21 | Jun 7 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 15 | Oct 2 | Sep 19 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after June 7, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 19. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around May 7.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Durango
- 81301 zone 6a
- 81302 zone 6b
- 81303 zone 6b
Nearby cities
- Montrose zone 6b, last frost Apr 28
- Clifton zone 7a, last frost Apr 23
- Grand Junction zone 7a, last frost Apr 14
- Fruita zone 7a, last frost Apr 27
- Edwards zone 5b, last frost Jun 6
- Cañon City zone 6a, last frost May 4
- Pueblo West zone 6a, last frost Apr 26
- Steamboat Springs zone 4b, last frost Jun 9
Questions
What growing zone is Durango, CO?
Durango is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 6a.
When is the last frost in Durango?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Durango is May 21. There is still a 10% chance of frost until June 7.
When can I plant tomatoes in Durango?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 28 – Jun 4. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Durango, CO (USC00052441), 2.7 km (1.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 2061 m, based on 16 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.