2013 Best Spring Planting Dates for Seeds for Denver, CO

When determining the best planting dates in the spring for seeds, the date of the last spring frost is important to your success. NOTE: Our chart calculates U.S. frost dates only, based on historical data. Other factors can also influence planting dates, including soil temperature, altitude and slope of land, nearby waters, and day length. Keep records of your garden's conditions each year to plan more accurately.

  • Seeds for plants with a long growing season should be started indoors during the periods shown below.
  • Seeds for plants sown in the ground should be planted during the periods shown.
  • When no dates appear in the chart, that starting method is not recommended for the particular vegetable.
  • To start transplants, see our Best Dates to Transplant (by region).

Planting by the Moon?

Above-ground crops are planted during the light of the Moon (new to full); below-ground crops are planted during the dark of the Moon (from the day after it is full to the day before it is new again). Planting is done in the daytime; planting at night is optional!

This chart includes the most popular crops. For more information, consult your cooperative extension.

Click on the underlined crops below for free "how to" plant and grow guides!

ZIP Code or City,State

50% probability of frost free after April 30 (at DENVER STAPELTON, CO climate station).

CropStart Seeds IndoorsMoon-favorable DatesStart Seeds in the GroundMoon-favorable Dates
BeansApr 30-May 14May 9-14
BeetsApr 9-May 21Apr 9
BroccoliMar 4-19Mar 11-19Apr 9-16Apr 10-16
Brussels sproutsMar 4-19Mar 11-19
CabbageMar 4-19Mar 11-19Apr 23-May 7Apr 23-25
CarrotsMar 26-Apr 9Mar 28-Apr 9
CauliflowerMar 4-19Mar 11-19Apr 23-May 7Apr 23-25
CeleryMar 4-19Mar 11-19
CornMay 14-21May 14-21
CucumbersApr 2-16Apr 10-16May 7-14May 9-14
LettuceMar 19-Apr 2Mar 19-27Apr 23-May 14Apr 23-25
MelonsApr 2-16Apr 10-16May 14-21May 14-21
Onion setsApr 2- 9Apr 2- 9
ParsnipsApr 9-30Apr 9
PeasMar 19-Apr 2Mar 19-27
PeppersMar 4-19Mar 11-19
Potato tubersApr 30-May 14Apr 30-May 8
PumpkinsApr 2-16Apr 10-16May 7-14May 9-14
RadishesApr 23-May 7Apr 26-May 7
SpinachMar 19-Apr 2Mar 19-27
Squash, summerApr 2-16Apr 10-16May 7-14May 9-14
Squash, winterApr 2-16Apr 10-16May 7-14May 9-14
TomatoesMar 4-19Mar 11-19