Frost Dates for Montrose, CO 81401
Last spring frost May 13 · First fall frost October 6 · 146 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b
ZIP 81401 has about 24,200 people, the largest of 2 ZIP codes in Montrose.
Moderate season: 146 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 28–June 2 (35 days). Fall frost risk spans September 21–October 21 (30 days).
Frost probability for 81401
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 2 | May 13 | April 28 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 21 | October 6 | October 21 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at PAONIA 1SW (40.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Frost dates by ZIP code in Montrose, CO
| ZIP | Last spring frost (50%) | First fall frost (50%) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81401 | May 13 | October 6 | 6b |
| 81403 | June 25 | September 3 | 6a |
Which crops fit a 146-day season in Montrose
In Montrose (146 frost-free days, a moderate season), 37 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 18 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 8 | May 27–Jun 3 | 104 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 104 available after May 27. | Jun 6 |
| Pepper | Apr 1 | May 27–Jun 3 | 104 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 104 available after May 27. | Jun 11 |
| Lettuce | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 181 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 15 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 188 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 22. | Aug 4 |
| Cucumber | Apr 22 | May 27–Jun 3 | 118 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 118 available after May 27. | Jul 10 |
| Beans | — | May 20–Jun 3 | 132 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 132 available after May 20. | Jul 17 |
| Peas | — | Mar 18–May 27 | 209 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 209 available after Mar 18. | Jul 26 |
| Zucchini | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 118 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 118 available after May 27. | Jul 15 |
| Onion | Feb 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 181 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 181 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 18–May 6 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Oct 27. | Sep 3 |
| Kale | Mar 4 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Broccoli | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 181 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 181 available after Apr 15. | Jul 11 |
| Cabbage | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 195 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 15. | Aug 4 |
| Radish | — | Mar 18–Jun 10 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Oct 13. | Sep 4 |
| Beets | — | Mar 18–Jun 10 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 29–May 6 | 167 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 167 available after Apr 29. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 6 | 251 | overwinter: Plant Oct 6 to Oct 27; harvest the following summer. | Oct 27 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 8–Jun 3 | 202 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 8; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 15 | May 20–May 27 | 118 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 118 available after May 20. | Jun 18 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 29 | May 27–May 27 | 111 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 111 available after May 27. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 1 | May 6–May 20 | 160 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 160 available after May 6. | Jul 16 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 18 | Apr 29–Apr 29 | 167 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 18–Jun 10 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Oct 27. | Sep 3 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 195 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 15. | Jul 5 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 111 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 111 available after May 27. | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 25 | May 27–Jun 3 | 104 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 104 available after May 27. | Jun 16 |
| Okra | Apr 15 | May 20–May 27 | 125 | two-plantings: Plant May 20 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Basil | Apr 8 | Jun 3–Jun 3 | 111 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 111 available after Jun 3. | Jul 10 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 15–May 6 | 181 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 10 |
| Parsley | Mar 4 | May 20–May 27 | 146 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 146 available after May 20. | Jul 21 |
| Celery | Mar 4 | May 20–Jun 3 | 146 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 146 available after May 20. | Jun 1 |
| Scallions | Mar 4 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 14 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 24 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 15 | May 6–May 13 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 15 |
| Collards | Mar 4 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 14 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 104 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 104 available after May 27. | Jun 1 |
| Chives | Feb 18 | May 20–May 27 | 160 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 160 available after May 20. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 18–Jun 10 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Oregano | Mar 4 | May 20–May 27 | 160 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 160 available after May 20. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 18 | May 20–May 27 | 146 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 146 available after May 20. | — |
| Sage | Mar 18 | May 20–May 27 | 160 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 160 available after May 20. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 4 | May 20–May 27 | 160 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 160 available after May 20. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 13 | 167 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 10 |
| Cosmos | Apr 15 | May 13–May 27 | 132 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 132 available after May 13. | Jul 10 |
| Lavender | Feb 18 | May 13–May 27 | 167 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 167 available after May 13. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 1 | May 13–May 20 | 132 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 20 |
| Melons | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 104 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 104 available after May 27. | Jun 1 |
| Mint | — | May 13–May 27 | 167 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 167 available after May 13. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 132 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 20–Jun 3 | 125 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 125 available after May 20. | Jul 5 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 111 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 111 available after May 27. | Jun 3 |
| Sunflowers | — | May 13–May 27 | 132 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 132 available after May 13. | Jun 30 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 18 | May 20–May 27 | 111 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 111 available after May 20. | Jun 11 |
| Watermelon | Apr 29 | May 20–May 27 | 111 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 111 available after May 20. | Jun 6 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 118 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 118 available after May 27. | Jul 15 |
| Zinnias | Apr 15 | May 13–May 27 | 132 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 132 available after May 13. | Jul 10 |
Month by month in Montrose
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 18), Lavender (Feb 18), Onion (Feb 18), Rosemary (Feb 18). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 4), Collards (Mar 4), Kale (Mar 4), Oregano (Mar 4), Parsley (Mar 4), Scallions (Mar 4), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 18), Beets (Mar 18), Dill (Mar 18), Peas (Mar 18), Radish (Mar 18), Spinach (Mar 18). |
| April | Start indoors: Calendula (Apr 1), Cauliflower (Apr 1), Marigolds (Apr 1), Pepper (Apr 1), Basil (Apr 8), Tomato (Apr 8), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 1), Cilantro (Apr 15), Turnip (Apr 15), Carrots (Apr 22), Potatoes (Apr 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 15), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 15), Cabbage (Apr 15), Collards (Apr 15), Kale (Apr 15), Lettuce (Apr 15), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 8). |
| May | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (May 13), Beans (May 20), Pole Beans (May 20). Transplant from: Bok Choy (May 6), Cauliflower (May 6), Cosmos (May 13), Lavender (May 13), Marigolds (May 13), Mint (May 13), +24 more. Last frost around May 13. |
| June | Transplant from: Basil (Jun 3). Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 1), Celery (Jun 1), Melons (Jun 1), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 3), Tomato (Jun 6), Watermelon (Jun 6), +5 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Jul 5), Pole Beans (Jul 5), Basil (Jul 10), Cosmos (Jul 10), Cucumber (Jul 10), Zinnias (Jul 10), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Aug 4), Carrots (Aug 4), Beets (Aug 5), Dill (Aug 5), Swiss Chard (Aug 5), Calendula (Aug 10), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 3), Spinach (Sep 3), Radish (Sep 4). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 6). First frost around October 6. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 27). |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| 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 Montrose, CO (ZIP 81401)?
The median last spring frost date for Montrose, CO (ZIP code 81401) is around May 13. 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 28; one in ten it runs past June 2.
What is the first fall frost date in Montrose, CO?
The median first fall frost date for Montrose, CO is around October 6. 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 21 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Montrose, CO?
The frost-free growing season in Montrose is about 146 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 Montrose (146 frost-free days, a moderate season), 37 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 18 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Montrose, CO?
Montrose, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 6b (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 Montrose, CO?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 8 and plant out May 27 in Montrose. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Montrose?
Two: plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13.
When do I plant garlic in Montrose?
Oct 6 to Oct 27; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Delta (ZIP 81416) has 168 frost-free days, 22 more than Montrose (ZIP 81401). See Delta ZIP 81416 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Montrose, CO 81403 (15.4 mi)
- Frost dates for Delta, CO 81416 (24.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Gunnison, CO 81230 (43.9 mi)
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- Frost dates for Grand Junction, CO 81501 (56.2 mi)
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