When to Plant Strawberries in Ouray County, CO
Strawberries are a beloved perennial fruit available as June-bearing, ever-bearing, and day-neutral types. They are one of the easiest fruits to grow in containers or garden beds.
Ouray County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. 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 Strawberries during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Strawberries successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Ouray County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Strawberries Planting Timeline — Ouray County, CO
Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | July 9 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Harvest | October 8 | Oct 8 – Dec 24 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | Harvest |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–365 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 6.8
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
84 days
Growing Tips for Ouray County
Plant with crowns at soil level. Remove runners the first year to strengthen plants. Mulch with straw to keep fruit clean and suppress weeds. Renovate June-bearing beds after harvest.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Strawberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Strawberries in Ouray County, CO?
Ouray County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Strawberries 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 5a. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is September 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ouray County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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