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When to Plant Horseradish in Archuleta County, CO

Horseradish is a vigorous perennial grown for its pungent, spicy roots used as a condiment. Once established, it can be difficult to eradicate, so choose its location carefully.

Archuleta County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and the first fall frost is September 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 96 days.

At an elevation of 5,346 feet, Archuleta County receives approximately 14 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Horseradish during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Horseradish successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Archuleta County, CO (Zone 5b) Very short season
96 days
Last Spring Frost June 13
96 growing days
First Fall Frost September 17

Archuleta County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 20 🍅 Harvest: Oct 24 – Dec 5
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 27 🍅 Harvest: Oct 31 – Dec 12
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jul 8 🍅 Harvest: Nov 11 – Dec 23

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 397 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Horseradish needs ~2,062 GDD — county provides 1,320 GDD May not mature

Horseradish Planting Timeline โ€” Archuleta County, CO

Horseradish Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 27 Jun 27 โ€“ Jul 11
Harvest October 31 Oct 31 โ€“ Dec 12

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors
July Transplant Outdoors
August โ€”
September โ€”
October Harvest
November Harvest
December Harvest

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

96 days

Growing Tips for Archuleta County

Plant root cuttings at a 45-degree angle in early spring. Harvest roots in late fall for strongest flavor. Contain the plant with barriers or grow in large containers.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Horseradish in Archuleta County, CO?

Archuleta County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 13. Plan your Horseradish planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Archuleta County, CO?

Archuleta County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and first fall frost is September 17.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Archuleta County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Archuleta County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.