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The Daily Insight

When should I start seeds indoors in Colorado

Author

Ava Hall

Published Mar 29, 2026

Cool-weather seeds can be started inside now through the end of the month. Depending on the cold tolerance of the plant, they can be sown outside starting in mid-to-late March. Warm-weather seeds should be started in mid-March. Many Coloradans remember St.

Is it too early to start seeds indoors?

How? Seeds sown too early will result in bigger plants which then need to be potted up into bigger containers which quickly take over your seed starting area/house and cost you more money is potting soil, organic fertilizer and pots.

What seeds should I start indoors in the winter?

Lettuces, arugula, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are also easy to grow indoors, though you’ll have more luck harvesting them as baby greens, rather than trying to grow them to maturity. Sow a new batch of seeds every few weeks to maintain a ready supply.

When can you start planting in Colorado?

With the Colorado growing season averaging only 157 days, “when to plant” is a critical question. We suggest planting all of your cold season crops in April. Planting the first week of April is great, but cold crops can be planted anytime in April or even May.

When should I start flowering seeds in Colorado?

Mid to late fall is a good time to sow wildflower seed because subsequent winter cold and snow (moisture) will promote seed germination the following spring. If sowing in spring or summer, check with the seed company if they have pre-treated the perennial seeds.

Is may too late to start seeds?

You may think it’s too late to grow all your favorite vegetables from seeds, but warm May temperatures have made the soil perfect for sowing seeds. Warm soil will allow for fast germination and growing plants! Good choices are summertime kitchen garden staples like squash, beans, cucumbers and melons.

What month do you start seeds indoors?

When to Start Seeds Indoors As a general rule, most annual vegetables should be sown indoors about six weeks before the last frost in your area. See local frost dates.

What can I plant right now in Colorado?

Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are good crops to plant now, too, along with radishes, beets and peas.

What can I plant in April in Colorado?

  • Early in the month, plant broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and other cool-season seedlings.
  • Direct-sow peas, radishes, lettuce, salad greens, spinach and onions.
  • Plant asparagus and rhubarb.
  • Plant hardy herbs, such as dill, parsley or chives.
When should I plant tomato seeds indoors in Colorado?

TOMATOES & PEPPERS – Start seeds indoors anytime in the last two weeks of March (about 6-8 weeks before the final frost). Transplant tomatoes outside anytime after May 15th, after danger of frost has passed.

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What seeds can I start indoors in March?

  • Beets. Healthy and delicious, the best time to plant beets is right now. …
  • Broccoli. One of our favorite greens, broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse. …
  • Cabbage. Whether leafy green or perfectly purple, this annual vegetable is perfect for colder temperatures. …
  • Carrots. …
  • Lettuce. …
  • Spinach. …
  • Onions. …
  • Peas.

Can you start seeds indoors in January?

When in doubt, it’s best to go ahead and start seeds indoors in winter, as a head start won’t hurt your plants—but early exposure to winter’s chilly weather can have disastrous consequences for young plants that aren’t up to the challenge.

What temperature should you start seeds indoors?

For seeds to germinate, most must be kept warm: about 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. A favorite place to keep seeds warm in order to germinate is on top of the refrigerator. Or, you can purchase seed-warming mats to place under the seed trays.

How do I start seeds in Colorado?

  1. Check a planting calendar, such as Old Farmer’s Almanac, to determine your last spring frost date and start seeds six to eight weeks earlier.
  2. Use recycled plastic containers to save money — poke drainage holes in the bottoms.
  3. Fill containers with seed starting mix. …
  4. Place containers on a tray.

When can I plant tomatoes in Colorado?

Tomato transplants should go into the ground after the danger of frost has past. Night temperatures should be in the low- to mid-40s at the lowest, with daytime highs at least in upper 50s. But be forewarned: A week of cool daytime temps (below 55) can stunt plants and reduce yields.

When can I plant lettuce in Colorado?

If you want to grow from lettuce transplants, start seeds indoors in early spring. Plants take 4 weeks to reach transplant size. Time the planting before the last average frost date for a spring harvest. A fall harvest can be planted in mid-to-late summer.

Is March too late to start seeds?

It’s finally March! March is the perfect time to get those tomato and pepper seeds started indoors so they can be ready for an early spring planting! Also now is a great time to start planting cool weather vegetables that can withstand those last frost days of March and April.

When should I plant seeds for spring?

The best time to start seeds is usually late March to late May. Only the southern zones are suitable for starting plants from seed in the earlier months. Give the plant enough time to germinate and grow to an appropriate transplant size.

Is it better to plant seeds in the morning or evening?

Planting in the morning may be best. “In the morning sow thy seed,” according to Ecclesiastes, and it is not bad advice for gardeners. Morning planting offers a seed more of what it needs to germinate and fewer dangers.

What can I plant in April May?

Sow seed outdoors for beetroot, carrots, Swiss chard, summer cauliflower, kohl rabi, lettuce, leeks, radish, turnip, spring and pickling onions, peas and perpetual spinach in well-prepared soil. Try sowing unusual vegetables such as salsify, Hamburg parsley, or scorzonera.

Is it too late to plant flower seeds in April?

Native and Flower Seeds The best time to plant is August-November, but they can be planted from August-April. Seeds germinate better if planted outside by using the winter weather to break the seed dormancy.

How late can I start pepper seeds?

What we have to say is – it’s never too late to start seeds! In the spring, you can grow faster growing peppers if you want to get a harvest in a shorter time. For example, many of the fastest growing peppers are ready in 57-65 days from planting!

What is considered early spring in Colorado?

This year, the vernal equinox, which signals the beginning of spring, occurs at 9:50 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, in Colorado. The last time the vernal equinox occurred this early was 124 years ago.

Is it too early to plant flowers in Colorado?

Colorado’s high altitudes and highly unpredictable weather make it an exciting place to live and garden. Three feet of snow may fall in late March, with temperatures in the 60s a few days later. Waiting until June 1 to plant is the safest bet. Late-spring planting is best in high-altitude Colorado.

When should you plant perennials in Colorado?

Here in Colorado, early spring or late summer are ideal seasons for transplanting perennial “starts”. The plants are channeling their energy into growth, rather than flower production, and they’re less likely to experience heat stress—a problem for plants that haven’t established strong root systems.

What can I plant in March in Colorado?

Direct sow in ground cool season (hardy) crops such as arugula, lettuce, spinach, peas, and kale beginning mid-March through the end of April. Start warm season crops (tender) such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant indoors at the end of the month for transplant mid-late May.

When should I fertilize my plants in Colorado?

The best time to fertilize trees in Colorado There are two prime times of year to fertilize your trees in Colorado: late spring and late fall before the first major snowstorm. The most effective tree fertilizing takes place in the spring and fall after trimming.

What zone is Colorado?

Colorado’s Front Range is predominantly Zone 4-5. At zone 5, average minimum temps are -20 to -10 F. The mountains are predominantly Zone 4 at -30 to -20 F. In contrast, Colorado’s fruit growing area near Grand Junction crosses the warmer Zones 6-7.

What seeds can grow indoors?

  • Gloxinia. Botanical Name: Sinningia speciosa. …
  • Asparagus Fern. Botanical Name: Asparagus setaceus. …
  • Peace Lily. Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum wallisii. …
  • Cactus. Botanical Name: Cactaceae. …
  • African Violets. Botanical Name: Saintpaulia. …
  • Coleus. …
  • English Ivy. …
  • Living Stone.

When should pumpkin seeds be planted?

Sow two or three seeds per planting hole, 3cm (1in) deep, in late May or early June. Cover with cloches, jars or plastic sheeting. Leave this in place for two weeks, or as long as possible, after germination. Thin the seedlings, leaving only the strongest one to grown on.

What should I plant in April?

If you are in a cooler climate, plant long day onions and if you are in a warmer climate, plant short day onions. Peas (Zones 3-10): Delicious green peas and sugar peas should be planted in April as they will flourish in the spring weather and will produce an abundance of May crops! Peppers (Zones 3-10):