When to plant bitter melon in Colorado
Colorado spans USDA zones 5b–7a, so the right time to plant bitter melon shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about April 28 in Grand Junction to July 5 in Edwards — below are local dates for 70 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | 6a | May 4 | October 8 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Colorado Springs | 6a | May 3 | October 8 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Aurora | 6a | May 7 | October 8 | May 21 – May 28 |
| Fort Collins | 5b | May 2 | October 7 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Lakewood | 6a | May 3 | October 7 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Thornton | 6a | May 2 | October 11 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Arvada | 6a | May 5 | October 5 | May 19 – May 26 |
| Westminster | 6a | May 2 | October 11 | May 16 – May 23 |
Bitter Melon in Colorado: FAQ
When can I plant bitter melon in Colorado?
Across Colorado, the time to transplant bitter melon spans roughly April 28 in Grand Junction to July 5 in Edwards, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the bitter melon planting date vary across Colorado?
Yes. Colorado publishes 70 cities with their own frost dates, so the right bitter melon planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does bitter melon take to grow in Colorado?
Bitter Melon takes about 55–70 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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