Frost Dates for Clifton, CO 81520
Last spring frost April 25 · First fall frost October 16 · 174 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
ZIP 81520 has about 12,900 people.
Moderate season: 174 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 10–May 14 (34 days). Fall frost risk spans September 29–November 3 (35 days).
Frost probability for 81520
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 14 | April 25 | April 10 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 29 | October 16 | November 3 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at GRAND JUNCTION RGNL AP (9.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 174-day season in Clifton
In Clifton (174 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 21 | May 9–May 16 | 132 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 132 available after May 9. | Jun 16 |
| Pepper | Mar 14 | May 9–May 16 | 132 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 132 available after May 9. | Jun 21 |
| Lettuce | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 25 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 216 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 216 available after Apr 4. | Aug 14 |
| Cucumber | Apr 4 | May 9–May 16 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 20 |
| Beans | — | May 2–May 16 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Oct 9. | Jul 27 |
| Peas | — | Feb 28–May 9 | 237 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 237 available after Feb 28. | Aug 5 |
| Zucchini | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 25 |
| Onion | Jan 31 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 209 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 209 available after Mar 28. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 28–Apr 18 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 6. | Sep 13 |
| Kale | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 29 |
| Broccoli | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 209 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 209 available after Mar 28. | Jul 21 |
| Cabbage | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 223 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 28. | Aug 14 |
| Radish | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Oct 23. | Sep 14 |
| Beets | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 15 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 195 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 11. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 16 | 279 | overwinter: Plant Oct 16 to Nov 6; harvest the following summer. | Nov 6 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 21–May 16 | 230 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 21; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 28 | May 2–May 9 | 146 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 146 available after May 2. | Jun 28 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 11 | May 9–May 9 | 139 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 139 available after May 9. | Jun 3 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 14 | Apr 18–May 2 | 188 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 18. | Jul 26 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 28 | Apr 11–Apr 11 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 15 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 6. | Sep 13 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 223 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 28. | Jul 15 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 139 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 139 available after May 9. | Jun 3 |
| Eggplant | Mar 7 | May 9–May 16 | 132 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 132 available after May 9. | Jun 26 |
| Okra | Mar 28 | May 2–May 9 | 153 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 25 |
| Basil | Mar 21 | May 16–May 16 | 139 | two-plantings: Plant May 16 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 20 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 28–Apr 18 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 20 |
| Parsley | Feb 14 | May 2–May 9 | 174 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 174 available after May 2. | Jul 31 |
| Celery | Feb 14 | May 2–May 16 | 174 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 174 available after May 2. | Jun 11 |
| Scallions | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 24 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 6. | Sep 3 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 29 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 28 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 25 |
| Collards | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 24 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 132 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 132 available after May 9. | Jun 11 |
| Chives | Jan 31 | May 2–May 9 | 188 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 188 available after May 2. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 15 |
| Oregano | Feb 14 | May 2–May 9 | 188 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 188 available after May 2. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 31 | May 2–May 9 | 174 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 174 available after May 2. | — |
| Sage | Feb 28 | May 2–May 9 | 188 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 188 available after May 2. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 14 | May 2–May 9 | 188 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 188 available after May 2. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 20 |
| Cosmos | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 9 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 20 |
| Lavender | Jan 31 | Apr 25–May 9 | 195 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 14 | Apr 25–May 2 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 30 |
| Melons | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 132 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 132 available after May 9. | Jun 11 |
| Mint | — | Apr 25–May 9 | 195 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 25 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 2–May 16 | 153 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 153 available after May 2. | Jul 15 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 139 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 139 available after May 9. | Jun 13 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 25–May 9 | 160 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 25. | Jul 10 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 28 | May 2–May 9 | 139 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 139 available after May 2. | Jun 21 |
| Watermelon | Apr 11 | May 2–May 9 | 139 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 139 available after May 2. | Jun 16 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 25 |
| Zinnias | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 9 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 20 |
Month by month in Clifton
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 31), Lavender (Jan 31), Onion (Jan 31), Rosemary (Jan 31). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 14), Collards (Feb 14), Kale (Feb 14), Oregano (Feb 14), Parsley (Feb 14), Scallions (Feb 14), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 28), Beets (Feb 28), Dill (Feb 28), Peas (Feb 28), Radish (Feb 28), Spinach (Feb 28). |
| March | Start indoors: Eggplant (Mar 7), Calendula (Mar 14), Cauliflower (Mar 14), Marigolds (Mar 14), Pepper (Mar 14), Basil (Mar 21), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 14), Cilantro (Mar 28), Turnip (Mar 28). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 28), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 28), Cabbage (Mar 28), Collards (Mar 28), Kale (Mar 28), Lettuce (Mar 28), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 21). |
| April | Start indoors: Cucumber (Apr 4), Butternut Squash (Apr 11), Cantaloupe (Apr 11), Melons (Apr 11), Pumpkin (Apr 11), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 11), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Apr 4), Potatoes (Apr 11), Sunflowers (Apr 25). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 11), Swiss Chard (Apr 11), Bok Choy (Apr 18), Cauliflower (Apr 18), Cosmos (Apr 25), Lavender (Apr 25), +4 more. Last frost around April 25. |
| May | Direct sow from: Beans (May 2), Pole Beans (May 2). Transplant from: Celery (May 2), Chives (May 2), Corn (May 2), Okra (May 2), Oregano (May 2), Parsley (May 2), +17 more. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 3), Pumpkin (Jun 3), Cantaloupe (Jun 11), Celery (Jun 11), Melons (Jun 11), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 13), +6 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 10), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 15), Pole Beans (Jul 15), Basil (Jul 20), Cosmos (Jul 20), Cucumber (Jul 20), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Peas (Aug 5), Cabbage (Aug 14), Carrots (Aug 14), Beets (Aug 15), Dill (Aug 15), Swiss Chard (Aug 15), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Turnip (Sep 3), Arugula (Sep 13), Spinach (Sep 13), Radish (Sep 14). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 16). First frost around October 16. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 6). |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Clifton, CO (ZIP 81520)?
The median last spring frost date for Clifton, CO (ZIP code 81520) is around April 25. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before April 10; one in ten it runs past May 14.
What is the first fall frost date in Clifton, CO?
The median first fall frost date for Clifton, CO is around October 16. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 29 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Clifton, CO?
The frost-free growing season in Clifton is about 174 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Clifton (174 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Clifton, CO?
Clifton, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 7a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Clifton, CO?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 21 and plant out May 9 in Clifton. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Clifton?
Two: plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 23.
When do I plant garlic in Clifton?
Oct 16 to Nov 6; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
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