Blog

When to plant Sage in Custer County, CO

Plant Sage in Custer County during the brief May 30–June 13 window. With 125 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before September 25.

When to Plant Sage in Custer County, CO

Sage

Sage is a woody perennial herb with velvety gray-green leaves and a warm, peppery flavor. It is a traditional seasoning for poultry, stuffing, and sausage.

Custer County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 125 days.

At an elevation of 8,115 feet, Custer County receives approximately 18.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Sage during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Sage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Custer County, CO (Zone 5b) Short season
125 days
Last Spring Frost May 23
125 growing days
First Fall Frost September 25

Custer County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Sage Planting Timeline — Custer County, CO

Sage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 30 May 30 – Jun 13
Harvest August 15 Aug 15 – Oct 10

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

75–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

125 days in Custer County

Growing Tips for Custer County

Start from seed or cuttings. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Replace plants every 4-5 years when they become woody and less productive. Excellent drainage is essential.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Cucumber
  • Rue

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sage in Custer County, CO?

Custer County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Sage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Custer County, CO?

Custer County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is September 25.

When should I plant Sage in Custer County, CO?

In Custer County, CO, plant Sage after the last frost (around May 23) and before the first frost (around September 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Custer County, CO for Sage?

Custer County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Sage grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sage grow in Custer County's climate?

Yes — Sage grows well in Custer County's temperate climate. Custer County averages a 125-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 23 and first frost around September 25.

🌱

Your Custer County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Custer County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.