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When to Plant Pole Beans in Delta County, CO

Pole beans are climbing varieties of green beans that produce over a much longer season than bush types. They require trellising but yield more per square foot.

Delta County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.

At an elevation of 4,470 feet, Delta County receives approximately 13.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Pole Beans during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Pole Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Delta County, CO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
160 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
160 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

Delta County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (39 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 25 Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 1 – Aug 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (34 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Sep 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (35 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 22 Transplant: May 31 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Sep 20

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
0.4″/week
You supply
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,108 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Pole Beans needs ~953 GDD — county provides 2,440 GDD Excellent fit

Pole Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Delta County, CO

Pole Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 โ€“ Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 โ€“ May 29
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 โ€“ May 29
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 โ€“ Sep 4

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

55โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

160 days

Growing Tips for Delta County

Provide sturdy 6-8 foot poles, tepees, or trellises. Direct sow after last frost. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. Beans fix nitrogen benefiting following crops.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pole Beans in Delta County, CO?

Delta County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Delta County, CO?

Delta County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 8.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Delta County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Delta County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.