When to Plant Mache in Pitkin County, CO
Mache (corn salad) is a cold-hardy salad green with small, rounded, tender leaves and a mild, nutty flavor. It thrives in cool weather and even overwinters in many climates.
Pitkin County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 6,411 feet, Pitkin County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mache to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mache successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pitkin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.3
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
Mache Planting Timeline — Pitkin County, CO
Mache Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jun 30 |
| Direct Sow | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 30 |
| Fall Sowing | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jun 29 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Sep 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
83 days
Growing Tips for Pitkin County
Direct sow in early spring or late summer for fall and winter harvest. Seeds need light to germinate so press gently into soil surface. Harvest whole rosettes.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Mache in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mache in Pitkin County, CO?
Pitkin County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pitkin County, CO?
Pitkin County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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