When to Plant Alpine Strawberries in Lake County, CO
Alpine strawberries are small, intensely flavored wild-type strawberries that fruit continuously from spring to frost. They do not produce runners and make excellent edging plants.
Lake County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 21 and the first fall frost is August 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 70 days.
At an elevation of 7,687 feet, Lake County receives approximately 21.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Alpine Strawberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Alpine Strawberries Planting Timeline — Lake County, CO
Alpine Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Harvest | October 18 | Oct 18 – Dec 13 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Transplant Outdoors |
| September | — |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | Harvest |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–180 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 6.8
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
70 days
Growing Tips for Lake County
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting. Unlike regular strawberries, alpines do not spread by runners. Harvest tiny, intensely aromatic berries frequently. Grow well in partial shade.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Alpine Strawberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Alpine Strawberries in Lake County, CO?
Lake County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 21. Plan your Alpine Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, CO?
Lake County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 21 and first fall frost is August 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lake County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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