The average date of the last frost on the Front Range is finally behind us.
The rule of thumb is to wait until after Mother’s Day to plant outside. Once that date passes and the weather is warm, many Coloradans are eager to get out and plant something.
Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) offers these recommendations for what you can plant today.
It’s not too late to start seeds. There are a number of seeds that do better planted directly into the soil after the danger of frost has passed: Herbs like parsley, dill and cilantro—as well as squashes and pumpkins.
It is also the right time to plant sunflower seeds. Sunflowers are easy to grow, do well in Colorado and make beautiful cut flowers. They need deep watering, but not often. And they need at least six hours of sunlight a day, so make sure you plant the seeds in a sunny spot or can move your container to help them get plenty of light.
Additionally, you can plant summer bulbs like lilies, gladiolus, and dahlias. If you’ve got a large container, put those bulbs underneath the annuals you plant, like petunias or marigolds. Those annuals have a long blooming period. When the bulbs bloom, you’ll have a great color combination later in the season.
Choosing plants that don’t require a lot of water is always a good idea in Colorado where drought is always just around the corner. Drought-tolerant plants can be easier to grow, too.
Salvia is an excellent flowering plant that thrives in our hot, dry summer conditions. They come in a variety of colors and attract many pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds Bees also love lavender, another drought-tolerant plant. Lavender does really well in containers, and it has the added benefit of making your yard and patio smell wonderful.
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