Colorado is a divers body politic when it come to gardening and landscaping , with various heat zones throughout different regions . The majority of the Colorado Front Range area , which includes city like Denver , Boulder , and Fort Collins , fall into Zone 5 . This intend that the average minimum wintertime temperature in these areas set out from -20 to -10 point Fahrenheit ( -28 to -23 degrees Celsius ) .
In Zone 5 , gardeners take to choose plant that can tolerate colder temperatures and shorter growing seasons . Perennials like coneflowers , black - eyed Susans , and daylilies are pop choices in this zone . veg like tomato plant , peppers , and cucumbers can also be grown , but they may require some supernumerary care and protection from frost .
Moving into higher mountain areas , such as the Rockies , the oestrus zone drops to Zone 4 . This means that the minimal wintertime temperature can range from -30 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit ( -34 to -29 degrees Celsius ) . Gardening in these area can be more thought-provoking due to the shorter growing time of year and harsher winter stipulation . cold-blooded - hardy plant like alpine forget - me - nots , columbines , and mountain bluet are well - suited for this zone .
On the other hired man , there are lovesome locations in Colorado that return into Zone 6 . This includes the Denver Metro area , the upper Arkansas vale , and southeast Colorado . In Zone 6 , the mediocre minimal winter temperature ranges from -10 to 0 stage Fahrenheit ( -23 to -18 degrees Celsius ) . This slightly milder climate allows for a wider variety of works to expand . gardener in these area can bask growing perennials like lavender , Russian sage , and shasta daisies . Vegetables like lettuce , spinach , and daikon can also be grown to begin with in the time of year .
Moving further west and southwesterly , tender areas of Colorado fall into Zone 7 . This let in location like Grand Junction and Durango . In Zone 7 , the modal minimal winter temperature tramp from 0 to 10 level Fahrenheit ( -18 to -12 level Celsius ) . This zona offer nurseryman a longer growing season and more options for heat - loving plants . yield trees like apricots , peaches , and cherry can be successfully grown in Zone 7 , along with perennial flowers like yarrow , tickseed , and penstemon .
It ’s significant to note that these heat zone allow a universal guideline for gardeners , but microclimates can also make for a role in plant winner . gene such as altitude , exposure to malarkey , and proximity to buildings or bodies of water can all touch on the actual growing circumstance in a specific location .
As a gardening fancier myself , I have experienced the challenges and rewards of gardening in Colorado . Living in the Denver Metro area , which fall into Zone 6 , I have enjoyed growing a salmagundi of perennials and vegetables in my backyard . However , I have also faced the episodic surprisal recent spring frost or former crepuscle snowstorm , which cue me of the grandness of pick out plants that can withstand colder temperatures .
Colorado put up a range of heat zones , from Zone 5 in the Front Range to Zone 7 in the warm western and southwestern part . Understanding the specific heat zone of your area is essential for selecting plant that can flourish in your local climate .
Caroline Bates
