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

Planting zone for 80755 — Vernon, CO

ZIP code 80755 (Vernon, Yuma County) is in USDA zone 5b: the coldest winter night averages −15 to −10 °F. The median last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost October 9.

Where ZIP 80755 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · 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

Coldest night−26.1 to −23.3 °C

Last frostMay 4

First frostOct 9

2012 zone5b

Same zone as on the 2012 map. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 5b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Vernon, 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 Vernon, CO

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 4median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 17only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 9median — 10% chance by Sep 24

Growing season155 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 25 and returns around October 18.

From the NOAA station Idalia, CO — 14 miles away, elevation 3,967 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 80755

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 23 – Apr 6

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 23 – Apr 13

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 23 – Mar 9

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 13 – Apr 27

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 6 – Apr 20

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 13 – Apr 27

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 6 – Apr 20

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 13 – Apr 27

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 9 – Mar 23

TomatoesTransplant · May 11 – May 25

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 23 – Mar 9

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 18 – Jun 1

BeansSow outdoors · May 11 – May 25

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 11 – May 25

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 11 – May 25

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 14 – Aug 28

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 25 – Oct 30

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 4) and first fall frost (Oct 9) 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 80755 came on Feb 26 — 24 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 22).

average
Mar 222026
Feb 26

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 Vernon, CO.

Soil in Vernon, CO

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 80755 is Kuma — silt loam, well drained.

TextureSilt loama good balance for most vegetables

pH7.3neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter3%moderate

Hydrologic groupAwater soaks in fast

Farmland classFarmland of statewide importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Kuma-Keith silt loams.

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 80755; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Vernon, CO

Summer high90 °Faverage high, July

Winter low16 °Faverage low, January

Hot days47days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights163nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days3,032base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 00 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 20 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growLong-daysummer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too)

Precipitation19.1 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: Idalia, CO (14 mi away); precipitation: Vernon 7.1 S, CO (4 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

2 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

Saint Francis, KS · 28 mi

690305b

Haigler, NE · 30 mi

Colorado planting zones →

Questions about 80755

What planting zone is ZIP code 80755?

ZIP code 80755 (Vernon, CO) is in USDA hardiness zone 5b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −15 to −10 °F (−26.1 to −23.3 °C).

When is the last frost in Vernon, CO?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 80755 is May 4; after May 17 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Idalia station.

When is the first frost in Vernon, CO?

The median first fall frost near 80755 is October 9, giving a median frost-free growing season of 155 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 80755?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 9 – Mar 23 and set transplants outside around May 11 – May 25, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 80755 get?

About 19.1 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Vernon 7.1 S station).

How hot do summers get in Vernon, CO?

The average high peaks at 90 °F in July, with about 47 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 80755 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Kuma at the center of ZIP 80755: silt loam, well drained, pH about 7.3 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Vernon, CO in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 80755 came on Feb 26 in 2026, 24 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 22), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Vernon, CO?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 80755 is 15 h 00 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).