When to plant Daffodils in Ouray County, CO
The best window to plant Daffodils in Ouray County, is mid-spring–late spring, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits June 18; first frost September 10. A second sowing from July 30 to August 13 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Daffodils in Ouray County, CO
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.
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 Daffodils during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Daffodils successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Ouray County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Daffodils Planting Timeline — Ouray County, CO
Daffodils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | July 30 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
Plant 7" deep · 7" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
20–40 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
84 days in Ouray County
Growing Tips for Ouray County
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 Ouray County, CO?
Ouray County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Daffodils 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 Daffodils in Ouray County, CO?
In Ouray County, CO, plant Daffodils 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 Daffodils?
Ouray County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Daffodils grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Daffodils grow in Ouray County's climate?
Yes — Daffodils 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.