When to Plant Black Beans in Saguache County, CO
Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
Saguache County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 30 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.
At an elevation of 5,293 feet, Saguache County receives approximately 23.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Black Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Saguache County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.4
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
Black Beans Planting Timeline — Saguache County, CO
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jul 4 |
| Harvest | September 12 | Sep 12 – Oct 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Direct Sow |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
113 days
Growing Tips for Saguache County
Direct sow after last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Black Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Black Beans in Saguache County, CO?
Saguache County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 30. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Saguache County, CO?
Saguache County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 30 and first fall frost is September 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Saguache County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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