What to Grow

Many crops thrive in Colorado's sunny climate when you choose the right types and varieties.

Reliable vegetables

Easy starters

Lettuce, spinach, radishes, peas, kale, Swiss chard, bush beans, zucchini and summer squash.

Root crops

Carrots, beets, potatoes, onions and garlic (fall-planted garlic does well).

Warm-season favorites

Tomatoes and peppers succeed with protection from cold nights; winter squash and pumpkins need a longer season.

Short-season varieties

Look for "days to maturity" that fit your frost-free period. Early or cherry tomatoes, early sweet corn, and quick-maturing squash and melons are safer bets, especially above about 6,500 feet. Regional seed companies and local seed libraries often carry varieties adapted to Colorado.

Fruit trees & berries

Apples, pears, tart cherries and plums are commonly grown along the Front Range. Late-blooming varieties help avoid spring frost losses.
Peaches and apricots bloom early and often lose blossoms to frost on the Front Range; they do best in warmer areas like the Western Slope.
Raspberries, strawberries, currants and gooseberries are well suited to home gardens. Many berries prefer amended soil since Colorado soils tend to be alkaline.
Check zone ratings with the USDA hardiness map and CSU Extension's fruit fact sheets.

Herbs

Many Mediterranean herbs like sun and dry conditions: thyme, oregano, sage, lavender, rosemary (often grown as an annual or brought indoors), chives and mint (best in containers). Basil, dill and cilantro grow well in season; cilantro bolts quickly in heat.

For variety recommendations, see CSU Extension, CSU PlantTalk Colorado and Denver Botanic Gardens.