What Can Grow in Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins at the foot of the Rockies has a productive season with low humidity and excellent sun.

Fort Collins, CO is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The growing season lasts about 145 days, with last frost around May 5 and first fall frost around September 28. Top crops include tomatoes, peppers, beans.

5bUSDA Zone
145 daysFrost-Free
May 5Last Frost
September 28First Frost
🌱 What Grows in Fort Collins
tomatoespeppersbeanssquashbeetslettuce
💡 Planting Tips

Use micro-climates on south-facing slopes. Raised beds excel. Compost heavily to enrich soil.

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🔗 More Resources
📍 Full Zone 5b Guide 🌎 Colorado Planting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins, CO is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5b. Fort Collins at the foot of the Rockies has a productive season with low humidity and excellent sun.

The average last spring frost in Fort Collins is around May 5. The first fall frost typically arrives around September 28, giving a frost-free growing season of approximately 145 days.

Fort Collins's Zone 5b climate supports growing tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, beets, lettuce. Use micro-climates on south-facing slopes. Raised beds excel. Compost heavily to enrich soil.

In Fort Collins, start with cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and broccoli a few weeks before the last frost date of May 5. Warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers should go in after all frost risk has passed.