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When to plant Salsify in Ouray County, CO

Ouray County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Plant Salsify between June 4 (after last frost on June 18) and June 25. A second sowing from July 2 to July 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Salsify in Ouray County, CO

Salsify is a root vegetable with a subtle oyster-like flavor, earning it the nickname "oyster plant." It produces long, slender, cream-colored roots.

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 Salsify during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Salsify 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

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Salsify Planting Timeline — Ouray County, CO

Salsify Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow June 4 Jun 4 – Jun 25
Harvest September 17 Sep 17 – Oct 29
Fall Sowing July 2 Jul 2 – Jul 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

100–130 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

Direct sow in spring in deeply worked, stone-free soil. Use fresh seed only as viability drops quickly. Harvest in late fall after frost for best flavor.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Salsify in Ouray County, CO?

Ouray County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Salsify 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 Salsify in Ouray County, CO?

In Ouray County, CO, plant Salsify 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 Salsify?

Ouray County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Salsify grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Salsify grow in Ouray County's climate?

Yes — Salsify 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.

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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.

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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 Ouray County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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