When to Plant Black Beans in Summit 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.
Summit County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 80 days.
At an elevation of 7,005 feet, Summit County receives approximately 17.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Black Beans to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Black Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Summit County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8
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 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Black Beans Planting Timeline — Summit County, CO
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Harvest | September 29 | Sep 29 – Nov 17 |
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 | Harvest |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
80 days
Growing Tips for Summit 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 Summit County, CO?
Summit County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summit County, CO?
Summit County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Summit County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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