Frost Dates for Montrose, CO 81403
Last spring frost June 25 · First fall frost September 3 · 70 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
ZIP 81403 has about 12,100 people, one of 2 ZIP codes in Montrose.
Short season: 70 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans June 11–July 9 (28 days). Fall frost risk spans August 15–September 23 (39 days).
Frost probability for 81403
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | July 9 | June 25 | June 11 |
| Fall (first frost) | August 15 | September 3 | September 23 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at TELLURIDE 4WNW (41.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 70-day season in Montrose
In Montrose (70 frost-free days, a short season), 22 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 8 get two plantings, 9 need an indoor start, 3 need a faster variety, 13 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | May 21 | Jul 9–Jul 16 | 28 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Montrose has 28 after Jul 9. | — |
| Pepper | May 14 | Jul 9–Jul 16 | 28 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Montrose has 28 after Jul 9. | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | 105 | two-plantings: Plant May 28 and again by Jul 13; both mature before Sep 10. | Jul 13 |
| Carrots | — | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 112 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 112 available after Jun 4. | Jul 2 |
| Cucumber | Jun 4 | Jul 9–Jul 16 | 42 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 9, the outdoor season is about 18 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Beans | — | Jul 2–Jul 16 | 56 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 56 days. | — |
| Peas | — | Apr 30–Jul 9 | 133 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 133 available after Apr 30. | Jun 23 |
| Zucchini | Jun 11 | Jul 9–Jul 16 | 42 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 9, the outdoor season is about 13 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Onion | Apr 2 | May 28–Jun 11 | 105 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 105 available after May 28. | — |
| Spinach | — | Apr 30–Jun 18 | 147 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Sep 24. | Aug 1 |
| Kale | Apr 16 | May 28–Jun 11 | 119 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 119 available after May 28. | Jul 17 |
| Broccoli | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 11 | 105 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 105 available after May 28. | Jun 8 |
| Cabbage | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 11 | 119 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 119 available after May 28. | Jul 2 |
| Radish | — | Apr 30–Jul 23 | 133 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Sep 10. | Aug 2 |
| Beets | — | Apr 30–Jul 23 | 133 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Jul 3; both mature before Sep 10. | Jul 3 |
| Potatoes | — | Jun 11–Jun 18 | 91 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 91 available after Jun 11. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 3 | 175 | overwinter: Plant Sep 3 to Sep 24; harvest the following summer. | Sep 24 |
| Strawberry | — | May 21–Jul 16 | 126 | perennial: A perennial: plant May 21; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | May 28 | Jul 2–Jul 9 | 42 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Montrose has 42 after Jul 2. | — |
| Pumpkin | Jun 11 | Jul 9–Jul 9 | 35 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Montrose has 35 after Jul 9. | — |
| Cauliflower | May 14 | Jun 18–Jul 2 | 84 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 84 available after Jun 18. | — |
| Swiss Chard | Apr 30 | Jun 11–Jun 11 | 91 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 91 available after Jun 11. | Jul 3 |
| Arugula | — | Apr 30–Jul 23 | 147 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Sep 24. | Aug 1 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 11 | 119 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 119 available after May 28. | Jun 2 |
| Butternut Squash | Jun 11 | Jul 9–Jul 16 | 35 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Montrose has 35 after Jul 9. | — |
| Eggplant | May 7 | Jul 9–Jul 16 | 28 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Montrose has 28 after Jul 9. | — |
| Okra | May 28 | Jul 2–Jul 9 | 49 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 2, the outdoor season is about 6 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Basil | May 21 | Jul 16–Jul 16 | 35 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Montrose has 35 after Jul 16. | — |
| Cilantro | — | May 28–Jun 18 | 105 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 105 available after May 28. | Jul 8 |
| Parsley | Apr 16 | Jul 2–Jul 9 | 70 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 70 available after Jul 2. | — |
| Celery | Apr 16 | Jul 2–Jul 16 | 70 | no-fit: Needs 120 days; Montrose has 70 after Jul 2. | — |
| Scallions | Apr 16 | May 28–Jun 11 | 119 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 119 available after May 28. | Jul 12 |
| Turnip | — | May 28–Jun 11 | 119 | two-plantings: Plant May 28 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 22 |
| Kohlrabi | — | May 14–May 28 | 133 | two-plantings: Plant May 14 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Bok Choy | May 28 | Jun 18–Jun 25 | 84 | fits: 45 days to maturity, 84 available after Jun 18. | Jul 13 |
| Collards | Apr 16 | May 28–Jun 11 | 119 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 119 available after May 28. | Jul 12 |
| Cantaloupe | Jun 11 | Jul 9–Jul 16 | 28 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Montrose has 28 after Jul 9. | — |
| Chives | Apr 2 | Jul 2–Jul 9 | 84 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 2, the outdoor season is about 6 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Dill | — | Apr 30–Jul 23 | 133 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Jul 3; both mature before Sep 10. | Jul 3 |
| Oregano | Apr 16 | Jul 2–Jul 9 | 84 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 84 available after Jul 2. | — |
| Rosemary | Apr 2 | Jul 2–Jul 9 | 70 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 2, the outdoor season is about 10 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Sage | Apr 30 | Jul 2–Jul 9 | 84 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 84 available after Jul 2. | — |
| Thyme | Apr 16 | Jul 2–Jul 9 | 84 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 2, the outdoor season is about 6 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Calendula | May 14 | Jun 11–Jun 25 | 91 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 91 available after Jun 11. | Jul 8 |
| Cosmos | May 28 | Jun 25–Jul 9 | 56 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 25, the outdoor season is about 4 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Lavender | Apr 2 | Jun 25–Jul 9 | 91 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 91 available after Jun 25. | — |
| Marigolds | May 14 | Jun 25–Jul 2 | 56 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 56 available after Jun 25. | — |
| Melons | Jun 11 | Jul 9–Jul 16 | 28 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Montrose has 28 after Jul 9. | — |
| Mint | — | Jun 25–Jul 9 | 91 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 91 available after Jun 25. | — |
| Nasturtiums | May 28 | Jun 25–Jul 2 | 56 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 56 available after Jun 25. | — |
| Pole Beans | — | Jul 2–Jul 16 | 49 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 49 days. | — |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jun 11 | Jul 9–Jul 16 | 35 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Montrose has 35 after Jul 9. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | Jun 25–Jul 9 | 56 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 56 days. | — |
| Tomatillos | Apr 30 | Jul 2–Jul 9 | 35 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Montrose has 35 after Jul 2. | — |
| Watermelon | Jun 11 | Jul 2–Jul 9 | 35 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Montrose has 35 after Jul 2. | — |
| Yellow Squash | Jun 11 | Jul 9–Jul 16 | 42 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 9, the outdoor season is about 13 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Zinnias | May 28 | Jun 25–Jul 9 | 56 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 25, the outdoor season is about 4 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
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 the slowest-growing crops indoors: onions, leeks, and celery (10–12 weeks before last frost). |
| March | Organize planting supplies and seed-starting mix. Check stored garden tools. |
| April | Start indoors: Chives (Apr 2), Lavender (Apr 2), Onion (Apr 2), Rosemary (Apr 2), Celery (Apr 16), Collards (Apr 16), +12 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Apr 30), Beets (Apr 30), Dill (Apr 30), Peas (Apr 30), Radish (Apr 30), Spinach (Apr 30). |
| May | Start indoors: Eggplant (May 7), Calendula (May 14), Cauliflower (May 14), Marigolds (May 14), Pepper (May 14), Basil (May 21), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (May 14), Cilantro (May 28), Turnip (May 28). Transplant from: Broccoli (May 28), Brussel Sprouts (May 28), Cabbage (May 28), Collards (May 28), Kale (May 28), Lettuce (May 28), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (May 21). |
| June | Start indoors: Cucumber (Jun 4), Butternut Squash (Jun 11), Cantaloupe (Jun 11), Melons (Jun 11), Pumpkin (Jun 11), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 11), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Jun 4), Potatoes (Jun 11), Sunflowers (Jun 25). Transplant from: Calendula (Jun 11), Swiss Chard (Jun 11), Bok Choy (Jun 18), Cauliflower (Jun 18), Cosmos (Jun 25), Lavender (Jun 25), +4 more. Last frost around June 25. Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Jun 2), Broccoli (Jun 8), Peas (Jun 23). |
| July | Direct sow from: Beans (Jul 2), Pole Beans (Jul 2). Transplant from: Celery (Jul 2), Chives (Jul 2), Corn (Jul 2), Okra (Jul 2), Oregano (Jul 2), Parsley (Jul 2), +17 more. Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Jul 2), Carrots (Jul 2), Beets (Jul 3), Dill (Jul 3), Swiss Chard (Jul 3), Calendula (Jul 8), +8 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Aug 1), Spinach (Aug 1), Radish (Aug 2). |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 3). First frost around September 3. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Sep 24). |
| October | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| 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 81403)?
The median last spring frost date for Montrose, CO (ZIP code 81403) is around June 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 June 11; one in ten it runs past July 9.
What is the first fall frost date in Montrose, CO?
The median first fall frost date for Montrose, CO is around September 3. 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 August 15 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 70 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 (70 frost-free days, a short season), 22 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 8 get two plantings, 9 need an indoor start, 3 need a faster variety, 13 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Montrose, CO?
Montrose, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 6a (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 May 21 and plant out Jul 9 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 May 28 and again by Jul 13; both mature before Sep 10.
When do I plant garlic in Montrose?
Sep 3 to Sep 24; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Celery in Montrose?
Not reliably outdoors. Needs 120 days; Montrose has 70 after Jul 2.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Montrose (ZIP 81401) has 146 frost-free days, 76 more than Montrose (ZIP 81403). See Montrose ZIP 81401 frost dates
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