When to Plant Leeks in Montrose County, CO
Leeks are a mild, sweet allium that produces long white shanks. They are more refined than onions and are a key ingredient in soups, stews, and gratins.
Montrose County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 13 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.
At an elevation of 6,494 feet, Montrose County receives approximately 18.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Leeks successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Montrose County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Leeks
Leeks needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Leeks Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | โ | 1.4" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Feb | โ | 1" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Mar | โ | 1.4" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Apr | โ | 2.2" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| May | โ | 2.3" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Oct | โ | 1.6" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Nov | โ | 1.3" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Dec | โ | 1.1" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (JunโSep in Montrose County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Leeks Planting Timeline โ Montrose County, CO
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 9 | May 9 โ May 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 13 | Jun 13 โ Jun 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 30 | May 30 โ Jun 20 |
| Harvest | September 12 | Sep 12 โ Nov 28 |
| Fall Sowing | July 4 | Jul 4 โ Jul 18 |
Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | โ |
| February | โ |
| March | โ |
| April | โ |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | โ |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | โ |
Growing Conditions
โ๏ธ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
๐ง Water
Moderate โ regular watering
๐ Days to Maturity
90โ150 days
๐งช Soil pH
Needs 6โ7 ยท Your soil: N/A
๐บ๏ธ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
๐ Growing Season
91 days in Montrose County
Growing Tips for Montrose County
Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. Transplant into trenches and hill soil around stems as they grow to increase the white portion. Harvest as needed.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
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Leeks in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Leeks in Montrose County, CO?
Montrose County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of June 13. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date โ see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montrose County, CO?
Montrose County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 13 and first fall frost is September 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner โ designed to help Montrose County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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