When to Plant Hot Peppers in Larimer County, CO
Hot peppers range from mildly spicy jalapenos to scorching superhots. They require long, warm growing seasons and produce capsaicin that gives them their heat.
Larimer County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 7,108 feet, Larimer County receives approximately 23.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Hot Peppers to ensure they mature before fall.
Larimer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.2
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 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Hot Peppers Planting Timeline — Larimer County, CO
Hot Peppers Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Oct 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
70–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
157 days
Growing Tips for Larimer County
Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost as they germinate slowly. Use heat mats to maintain 80-85F soil temperature for germination. Stress plants slightly by reducing water to increase heat levels.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Hot Peppers in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hot Peppers in Larimer County, CO?
Larimer County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Hot Peppers planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Larimer County, CO?
Larimer County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Larimer County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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