What to plant in February in Colorado
In Colorado (CO), February sits about 11 weeks before the average last frost (May 5). The state averages 149 frost-free days a year (last frost May 5, first frost October 1; USDA zones 3b, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 7a).
8 crops have a sowing or planting window this month.
Dates here come from Colorado frost dates (last frost May 5, first frost Oct 1). For one crop in detail, see when to plant onion, eggplant or tomato in Colorado.
Colorado covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
Colorado: planting activity through the year
Start seeds indoors in February (8)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celeriac | Start seeds indoors | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Celery | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Opens Feb 17 |
| Leek | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Opens Feb 17 |
| Onion | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Opens Feb 17 |
| Rosemary | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Opens Feb 17 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Opens Feb 24 |
| Parsley | Start seeds indoors | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Opens Feb 24 |
| Shallot | Start seeds indoors | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Opens Feb 24 |
Planting dates for popular crops in Colorado
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Colorado: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
A planning month: February garden jobs in Colorado
- Order seed while stock is good. Colorado's average last frost is May 5, so the first indoor sowings begin around February 10 - see starting seeds indoors.
- Sketch this year's beds and move each crop family to a new spot - the garden planner and the crop rotation guide make it quick.
- Test old seed: roll ten seeds in a damp paper towel for a week. If fewer than seven sprout, sow thicker or buy fresh.
- If the ground isn't frozen, spread compost now so it's worked in by spring, and send off a soil test - February is when labs are quiet.
USDA zone chart for Colorado
Colorado spans USDA zones 3b, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 7a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Colorado in February?
8 crops have a window in February: celeriac, celery, leek, onion, rosemary, eggplant, parsley, shallot. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Colorado in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Colorado the next tomato window opens around March 10: start seeds indoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Colorado in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Colorado the next lettuce window opens around March 31: start seeds indoors.
When is the first frost in Colorado?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 1 and the last spring frost around May 5. Colorado covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in February in Colorado?
Celeriac (Feb 10 – Feb 24), Celery (Feb 17 – Mar 3), Leek (Feb 17 – Mar 3), Onion (Feb 17 – Mar 3), Rosemary (Feb 17 – Mar 3), Eggplant (Feb 24 – Mar 10), Parsley (Feb 24 – Mar 10), Shallot (Feb 24 – Mar 10).
What to plant in February in other states
Dates are computed from Colorado’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.