Blog

When to plant Mache in Lake County, CO

In Zone 5a (Lake County), direct-sow Mache between June 7 and June 28 for spring, after the June 21 last-frost mark. A second sowing from June 21 to July 5 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Mache in Lake County, CO

Mache (corn salad) is a cold-hardy salad green with small, rounded, tender leaves and a mild, nutty flavor. It thrives in cool weather and even overwinters in many climates.

Lake County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 21 and the first fall frost is August 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 70 days.

At an elevation of 7,687 feet, Lake County receives approximately 21.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mache to ensure they mature before fall.

Lake County, CO (Zone 5a) Very short season
70 days
Last Spring Frost June 21
70 growing days
First Fall Frost August 30

Lake County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Mache Planting Timeline — Lake County, CO

Mache Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 17 May 17 – May 31
Transplant Outdoors June 21 Jun 21 – Jul 5
Direct Sow June 7 Jun 7 – Jun 28
Harvest August 2 Aug 2 – Sep 6
Fall Sowing June 21 Jun 21 – Jul 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

70 days in Lake County

Growing Tips for Lake County

Direct sow in early spring or late summer for fall and winter harvest. Seeds need light to germinate so press gently into soil surface. Harvest whole rosettes.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mache in Lake County, CO?

Lake County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 21. Plan your Mache planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lake County, CO?

Lake County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 21 and first fall frost is August 30.

When should I plant Mache in Lake County, CO?

In Lake County, CO, plant Mache after the last frost (around June 21) and before the first frost (around August 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lake County, CO for Mache?

Lake County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Mache grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Mache grow in Lake County's climate?

Yes — Mache grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 70-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 21 and first frost around August 30.

🌱

Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lake County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.