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When to plant Larkspur in Jackson County, CO

Plant Larkspur in Jackson County during the brief May 16–June 6 window. With 83 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before September 4.

When to Plant Larkspur in Jackson County, CO

Larkspur (Consolida ajacis) is a cool-season annual that produces tall, delicate spires of blue, purple, pink, and white flowers reminiscent of its perennial cousin, delphinium. Direct-sown into cold soil or fall-sown in mild-winter climates, it blooms in spring before going to seed as summer heat arrives. An excellent cut flower and cottage-garden staple.

Jackson County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and the first fall frost is September 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.

At an elevation of 5,388 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 20.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Larkspur to ensure they mature before fall.

Annual Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Jackson County, CO (Zone 4b) Very short season
83 days
Last Spring Frost June 13
83 growing days
First Fall Frost September 4

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Larkspur Planting Timeline — Jackson County, CO

Larkspur Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 16 May 16 – Jun 6
Bloom July 25 Jul 25 – Sep 12

Plant 0.1" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Direct Sow
June Direct Sow
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

📆 Growing Season

83 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jackson County

Larkspur does not transplant well — direct-sow only. In cold climates (zones 2–6), sow directly in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, 4–6 weeks before last frost; cold soil improves germination. In zones 7–10, fall-sow 8–10 weeks before first frost for spring bloom. Press seeds lightly into soil; they need darkness to germinate — cover with 1/8–1/4 inch of soil. Thin to 6–12 inches to prevent powdery mildew. Allow seed pods to mature and self-sow for naturalized colonies. All parts are toxic if ingested.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Larkspur in Jackson County, CO?

Jackson County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 13. Plan your Larkspur planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, CO?

Jackson County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and first fall frost is September 4.

When should I plant Larkspur in Jackson County, CO?

In Jackson County, CO, plant Larkspur after the last frost (around June 13) and before the first frost (around September 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jackson County, CO for Larkspur?

Jackson County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Larkspur grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Larkspur grow in Jackson County's climate?

Yes — Larkspur grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 83-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 13 and first frost around September 4.

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Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 4b). 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 Jackson County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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