When to plant Vinca (Annual) in Teller County, CO
Plant Vinca (Annual) in Teller County, between May 18 and June 1 — the only viable window. Zone 5b's short season (148 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Vinca (Annual) in Teller County, CO
Annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus), also called Madagascar periwinkle, is one of the most heat- and drought-tolerant bedding plants available. Glossy foliage stays attractive all season while cheerful pinwheel blooms continue without deadheading. A top performer in hot, humid Southern summers where impatiens and begonias struggle. Self-cleaning; requires little maintenance once established.
Teller County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 6,538 feet, Teller County receives approximately 19.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Vinca (Annual) to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Vinca (Annual) successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Teller County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Vinca (Annual)
Vinca (Annual) needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Vinca (Annual) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Teller County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Vinca (Annual) Planting Timeline — Teller County, CO
Vinca (Annual) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Bloom | July 27 | Jul 27 – Oct 19 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
148 days in Teller County
Growing Tips for Teller County
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — germination requires warm soil (75–80°F) and darkness. Do not cover seeds deeply; they need just a light dusting. Direct sowing is rarely practiced due to slow seedling establishment. Transplant after soil warms and frost danger has passed. Excellent drought tolerance once established; avoid overwatering. Performs best in well-drained beds or containers in full sun.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Vinca (Annual) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Vinca (Annual) in Teller County, CO?
Teller County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Vinca (Annual) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Teller County, CO?
Teller County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Vinca (Annual) in Teller County, CO?
In Teller County, CO, plant Vinca (Annual) after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Teller County, CO for Vinca (Annual)?
Teller County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Vinca (Annual) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Vinca (Annual) grow in Teller County's climate?
Yes — Vinca (Annual) grows well in Teller County's temperate climate. Teller County averages a 148-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around October 6.
Your Teller County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Teller 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.