When to plant Daffodils in La Plata County, CO
For Daffodils in La Plata County, the safe spring window opens around mid-spring and closes around late spring. Last expected frost is May 31, first fall frost September 21, giving a 113-day growing season. A second sowing from August 10 to August 24 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Daffodils in La Plata County, CO
Your July planting checklist for La Plata County, Colorado
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for La Plata County, Colorado this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- Fall sowing: daffodils
Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) are among the most dependable and longest-lived of all spring bulbs. Their cheerful yellow and white blooms emerge in early spring, often while frost is still possible, bringing color weeks before most other flowers. Unlike tulips, established clumps naturalize readily — spreading and returning reliably year after year without replanting. Deer and rodents avoid them due to toxic alkaloids in the bulb and sap, making them a low-maintenance choice for naturalized areas, woodland edges, and mixed borders.
La Plata County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.
At an elevation of 5,246 feet, La Plata County receives approximately 14.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Daffodils to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Daffodils successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
La Plata County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Daffodils 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 La Plata County
How your county's soil matches Daffodils's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.9) is more alkaline than Daffodils prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in La Plata County is excellent for Daffodils — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Daffodils.
How to Plant Daffodils
Fall planting: Sow 6 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Daffodils
Sow every 2.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 10.
Daffodils Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Daffodils
Daffodils needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Daffodils Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.9" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light 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 La Plata County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Daffodils 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.
Daffodils Planting Timeline — La Plata County, CO
Daffodils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 7" deep · 7" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
20–40 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
113 days in La Plata County
Growing Tips for Daffodils in La Plata County
Direct sow Daffodils outdoors after May 31 in La Plata County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 113.0-day season in La Plata County allows multiple plantings of Daffodils. Sow every 10.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Daffodils in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
La Plata County receives only 15" of rain annually. Daffodils needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Plant bulbs pointed-end up in fall, 6–8 inches deep and 6–8 inches apart in well-drained soil. Allow 12–16 weeks of cold dormancy for proper vernalization. Do not cut back foliage until it turns yellow (6–8 weeks after bloom) — the dying leaves photosynthesize energy into the bulb for next year. Lift and divide overcrowded clumps every 4–5 years in summer after foliage dies back. In zones 7b–9b, select heat-tolerant cultivars (Jonquilla, Tazetta, and Cyclamineus divisions) that perform better with less chill than large-cupped types. Zones 10+: insufficient winter cold; pre-chilling is required but results inconsistent — not recommended for outdoor culture.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Daffodils in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Daffodils in La Plata County, CO?
La Plata County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Daffodils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is La Plata County, CO?
La Plata County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 21.
When should I plant Daffodils in La Plata County, CO?
In La Plata County, CO, plant Daffodils after the last frost (around May 31) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is La Plata County, CO for Daffodils?
La Plata County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Daffodils grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Daffodils grow in La Plata County's climate?
Yes — Daffodils grows well in La Plata County's temperate climate. La Plata County averages a 113-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 31 and first frost around September 21.
Your La Plata County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for La Plata 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.