What Can Grow in Denver, CO

Denver's mile-high elevation and 300 sunny days create unique conditions — intense UV but late spring frosts.

Denver, CO is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The growing season lasts about 157 days, with last frost around May 5 and first fall frost around September 28. Top crops include tomatoes, peppers, beans.

6aUSDA Zone
157 daysFrost-Free
May 5Last Frost
September 28First Frost
🌱 What Grows in Denver
tomatoespeppersbeansbeetsroot vegetablessquash
💡 Planting Tips

Last frost around May 7. Start seeds indoors in March. Use wall-o-waters for early tomatoes.

🌱
Shop seeds matched to your zone Burpee, Park Seed, and more — curated for your growing conditions.
Shop Seeds →
🔗 More Resources
📍 Full Zone 6a Guide 🌎 Colorado Planting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver, CO is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a. Denver's mile-high elevation and 300 sunny days create unique conditions — intense UV but late spring frosts.

The average last spring frost in Denver is around May 5. The first fall frost typically arrives around September 28, giving a frost-free growing season of approximately 157 days.

Denver's Zone 6a climate supports growing tomatoes, peppers, beans, beets, root vegetables, squash. Last frost around May 7. Start seeds indoors in March. Use wall-o-waters for early tomatoes.

In Denver, 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.