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When to plant Beets in Ouray County, CO

Plant Beets in Ouray County, when soil hits 50°F — usually June 4. Continue planting through June 25 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 2 to July 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in Ouray County, CO

Beets

Beets are a dual-purpose root vegetable with edible roots and nutritious greens. They come in red, golden, and striped varieties and are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Ouray County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 84 days.

At an elevation of 7,449 feet, Ouray County receives approximately 12.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Beets successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Ouray County, CO (Zone 5b) Very short season
84 days
Last Spring Frost June 18
84 growing days
First Fall Frost September 10

Ouray County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Beets

Beets needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Beets Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Ouray County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Beets Planting Timeline — Ouray County, CO

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow June 4 Jun 4 – Jun 25
Harvest July 30 Jul 30 – Aug 27
Fall Sowing July 2 Jul 2 – Jul 16

Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

84 days in Ouray County

Growing Tips for Ouray County

Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart. Harvest roots when 1.5-3 inches in diameter for best texture.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Pole Beans
  • Mustard Greens

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Beets Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Wind Pollinated
How to Collect Replant roots for 2nd-year seeds. Rub stalks to free clusters.
Storage Store airtight; viable 6 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from Swiss chard — same species, they will cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Beets in Ouray County, CO?

Ouray County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ouray County, CO?

Ouray County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is September 10.

When should I plant Beets in Ouray County, CO?

In Ouray County, CO, plant Beets after the last frost (around June 18) and before the first frost (around September 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ouray County, CO for Beets?

Ouray County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Beets grow in Ouray County's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in Ouray County's temperate climate. Ouray County averages a 84-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 18 and first frost around September 10.

🌱

Your Ouray County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ouray County (Zone 5b). 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 Ouray County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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