Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for Limon, CO

Limon, CO is in USDA zone 5b across its 2 ZIP codes. The median last spring frost is May 21 and the first fall frost September 26.

Limon on the zone map

Outlined: its 2 ZIP code areas · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone5b−15 to −10 °F

ZIP codes2

Last frostMay 21

First frostSep 26

Growing season127 days

5b 2 ZIPs

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Limon, CO…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Limon, CO

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMay 21median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 4only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 26median — 10% chance by Sep 14

Growing season127 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 9 and returns around October 3.

From the NOAA station Limon Wsmo, CO, elevation 5,364 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in Limon

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 9 – Apr 23

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 9 – Apr 30

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 12 – Mar 26

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 30 – May 14

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 23 – May 7

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 30 – May 14

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 23 – May 7

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 30 – May 14

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 26 – Apr 9

TomatoesTransplant · May 28 – Jun 11

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 12 – Mar 26

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 4 – Jun 18

BeansSow outdoors · May 28 – Jun 11

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 28 – Jun 11

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 28 – Jun 11

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 1 – Aug 15

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 12 – Oct 17

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 21) and first fall frost (Sep 26) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 80828 came on Mar 5 — 26 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 31).

average
Mar 312026
Mar 5

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 5b in Colorado

546 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Colorado, and rated by the USDA to survive −15 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 5b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Limon, CO.

Soil in Limon, CO

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 80828 is Bankard — loamy sand, excessively drained.

TextureLoamy sanddrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH7.4slightly alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageExcessively drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.25%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupAwater soaks in fast

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Bankard-Glenberg complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, moist, occasionally flooded.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 80828; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Limon, CO

Summer high87 °Faverage high, July

Winter low10 °Faverage low, January

Hot days32days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights196nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,233base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 56 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 24 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growIntermediateday-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully

Precipitation17.1 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Limon Wsmo, CO (5 mi away); precipitation: Limon 0.3 W, CO (within 1 mile). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

ZIP codes in Limon

Colorado planting zones →

Questions about Limon

What planting zone is Limon, CO?

Limon, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 5b on the 2023 map (5b: −15 to −10 °F).

When is the last frost in Limon, CO?

The median last spring frost is May 21 and the median first fall frost is September 26 (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Limon Wsmo station).

When can I plant a garden in Limon, CO?

Cool-season crops like peas and spinach go in around Apr 9 – Apr 30; tomatoes, peppers, beans and squash after about May 28, once frost risk has passed.

What kind of onions grow in Limon, CO?

Intermediate onions: the longest day is 14 h 56 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

How much rain and snow does Limon, CO get?

About 17.1 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals).