When to plant Geraniums in Dolores County, CO
In Dolores County, Geraniums is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant June 25–July 9 for an 70–100-day harvest, finishing well before the September 8 first frost.
When to Plant Geraniums in Dolores County, CO
Geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum) are tender perennials grown as warm-season annuals throughout North America. Prized for their bold flower clusters, long bloom period, and tolerance of summer heat when planted in well-drained soil, they anchor window boxes, containers, and bed borders from late spring until hard frost. Zones 9b–11b can overwinter plants in the ground.
Dolores County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is September 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 82 days.
At an elevation of 7,506 feet, Dolores County receives approximately 23.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Geraniums during the growing season.
Dolores County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Geraniums Planting Timeline — Dolores County, CO
Geraniums Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 25 | Jun 25 – Jul 9 |
| Bloom | September 3 | Sep 3 – Dec 10 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 14" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | Bloom |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
82 days in Dolores County
Growing Tips for Dolores County
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — germination is slow and erratic without bottom heat (70–75°F). Transplant after frost danger passes. Geraniums rarely direct-sown; cuttings or transplants are the standard. Deadhead spent umbels weekly to maintain continuous bloom. Let soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In zones 10–11 plants may be left in ground year-round or overwintered as houseplants.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Geraniums in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Geraniums in Dolores County, CO?
Dolores County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Geraniums planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dolores County, CO?
Dolores County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is September 8.
When should I plant Geraniums in Dolores County, CO?
In Dolores County, CO, plant Geraniums after the last frost (around June 18) and before the first frost (around September 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dolores County, CO for Geraniums?
Dolores County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Geraniums grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Geraniums grow in Dolores County's climate?
Yes — Geraniums grows well in Dolores County's temperate climate. Dolores County averages a 82-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 18 and first frost around September 8.
Your Dolores County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dolores County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.