When to Plant Quince in Huerfano County, CO
May to-do list for Huerfano County, Colorado
Your Huerfano County, Colorado garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: quince
Quince is a small ornamental tree producing fragrant, golden fruits that are too hard and astringent to eat raw but transform into a beautiful rose-colored paste when cooked.
Huerfano County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 141 days.
At an elevation of 7,235 feet, Huerfano County receives approximately 15.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Quince to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Quince successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Huerfano County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Huerfano County
How your county's soil matches Quince's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.7) overlaps with Quince's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Huerfano County is excellent for Quince — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Quince.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Quince.
How to Plant Quince
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Quince
Quince needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Quince Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Huerfano County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Quince Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Quince Planting Timeline — Huerfano County, CO
Quince Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
141 days in Huerfano County
Growing Tips for Quince in Huerfano County
Direct sow Quince outdoors after May 12 in Huerfano County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 141.0-day growing season in Huerfano County is tight for Quince (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Huerfano County receives only 15" of rain annually. Quince needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Plant in well-drained soil in a warm, sheltered location. Quince is self-fertile. Harvest after frost when fruit is golden and fragrant. Fire blight can be an issue; choose resistant varieties.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Quince in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Quince in Huerfano County, CO?
Huerfano County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Quince planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Huerfano County, CO?
Huerfano County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 30.
Your Huerfano County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Huerfano 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.