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When to plant Salsify in Denver County, CO

The best window to plant Salsify in Denver County, is April 30–May 21, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 14; first frost September 26. A second sowing from July 18 to August 1 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Salsify in Denver County, CO

Salsify is a root vegetable with a subtle oyster-like flavor, earning it the nickname "oyster plant." It produces long, slender, cream-colored roots.

Denver County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.

At an elevation of 6,818 feet, Denver County receives approximately 20.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Salsify during the growing season.

Denver County, CO (Zone 6a) Short season
135 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
135 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Denver County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Salsify

Salsify needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Salsify Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Denver County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Salsify Planting Timeline — Denver County, CO

Salsify Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 – May 21
Harvest August 13 Aug 13 – Sep 24
Fall Sowing July 18 Jul 18 – Aug 1

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

100–130 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

135 days in Denver County

Growing Tips for Denver County

Direct sow in spring in deeply worked, stone-free soil. Use fresh seed only as viability drops quickly. Harvest in late fall after frost for best flavor.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Salsify in Denver County, CO?

Denver County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Salsify planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Denver County, CO?

Denver County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 26.

When should I plant Salsify in Denver County, CO?

In Denver County, CO, plant Salsify after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Denver County, CO for Salsify?

Denver County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Salsify grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Salsify grow in Denver County's climate?

Yes — Salsify grows well in Denver County's temperate climate. Denver County averages a 135-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 26.

🌱

Your Denver County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Denver County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Denver County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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