Blog

When to plant Salsify in Routt County, CO

Plant Salsify in Routt County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 29. Continue planting through June 19 for the spring crop. A second sowing from June 30 to July 14 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Salsify in Routt 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.

Routt County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 12 and the first fall frost is September 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 88 days.

At an elevation of 5,381 feet, Routt County receives approximately 24.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Salsify to ensure they mature before fall.

Routt County, CO (Zone 5a) Very short season
88 days
Last Spring Frost June 12
88 growing days
First Fall Frost September 8

Routt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Salsify Planting Timeline — Routt County, CO

Salsify Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 29 May 29 – Jun 19
Harvest September 11 Sep 11 – Oct 23
Fall Sowing June 30 Jun 30 – Jul 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Direct Sow
June Direct Sow Fall Sowing
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

88 days in Routt County

Growing Tips for Routt 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 Routt County, CO?

Routt County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 12. Plan your Salsify planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Routt County, CO?

Routt County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 12 and first fall frost is September 8.

When should I plant Salsify in Routt County, CO?

In Routt County, CO, plant Salsify after the last frost (around June 12) and before the first frost (around September 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Routt County, CO for Salsify?

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

Can Salsify grow in Routt County's climate?

Yes — Salsify grows well in Routt County's temperate climate. Routt County averages a 88-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 12 and first frost around September 8.

🌱

Your Routt County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Routt 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 Routt 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.