Colorado’s climate can range from hot and dry to cold and snowy, making it difficult to find plants that can handle extreme weather conditions. However, with careful selection, you can create a stunning garden that thrives in this unique environment.
If you’re a Colorado gardener, you know that not all plants are created equal. Some plants struggle to survive in high altitudes and extreme weather conditions, while others thrive. To help you create a beautiful and sustainable garden, we’ve compiled a list of Colorado’s ten best garden plants. These plants are hardy, low-maintenance, and will add color and texture to your garden all year round.
Table of Contents
Here are the 10 Best Garden Plants for Colorado
1. Slugs
Slugs are slimy, ugly gastropods with a notorious reputation for terrorizing gardens and eating fruits or vegetables. The most common slugs in North America are the Grey Field Slug and the European Brown Garden Slug. They have been known to destroy garden plants and invade people’s homes for food.
During cool and wet seasons, such as spring and fall, these slimy pests may be found on your lettuce or other vegetables feasting away until nothing is left. It is important to note that because these creatures thrive in damp places, growing plants in full sun may reduce the likelihood of an infestation.
A great way to protect your garden is to implement natural barricades around them, such as crushed egg shells or diatomaceous earth. Slugs can act like an annoyance but become dangerous if left unchecked or ignored.
2. Kale
Kale is a leafy green vegetable, a member of the cabbage family. It is highly nutritious with high levels of vitamins A, C, and K and fiber and minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It has a mild yet slightly sweet taste making it perfect for adding to salads, soups, or smoothies.
There are several varieties of kale available on the market. Curly kale is the most popular variety, with its crinkled leaves and pungent flavor. Lacinato or ‘dinosaur’ kale has dark green leaves with an earthier flavor than curly kale.
Red Russian kale is tender and sweet, while Ornamental kale has colorful purple-green leaves that are great for garnishes. Whatever your preference, there’s sure to be a type of kale that fits your needs. Whether cooked or raw, it can be enjoyed in various dishes such as stir-fries, sautés, soups, and even chips.
3. Turnips
Turnips are root vegetables that have been grown and eaten since ancient times. They are round in shape, usually white or purple in color, with a slightly sweet taste. Turnips come in various sizes, from small ones no bigger than your thumb to large ones the size of a softball.
Turnips are packed with nutrients and low in calories, making them an excellent addition to any diet. They are a great dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium source. Turnips also contain folate, magnesium, and other vitamins and minerals.
Turnips are easy to grow in Colorado’s climate and can be eaten cooked or raw. They can be roasted, boiled, mashed, or added to soups and stews for a delicious flavor boost.
4. Lettuce
Lettuce is a cool-season vegetable that grows quickly and easily in Colorado’s climate. Many types of lettuce are available, each with its unique flavor and texture. The most common type of lettuce is the crisphead or iceberg variety, which has crunchy leaves and a mild flavor.
Butterhead lettuces are softer and more flavorful than icebergs. Romaine lettuce is a popular choice with crisp leaves and a slightly sweet taste. Leaf lettuces are not as crunchy but still have a great flavor.
Lettuce can be grown in raised beds, containers, or directly into the soil. It prefers cooler temperatures and plenty of moisture for optimal growth. Lettuce can be harvested by cutting off the outer leaves as it grows or harvesting the entire plant. It is a great addition to salads, sandwiches, tacos, and wraps.
5. Peppers
Peppers are a vegetable that comes in many different colors and shapes. They can range from mild bell peppers to spicy jalapenos, making them a great addition to any dish. Peppers come in red, yellow, green, and orange, providing a colorful meal twist.
When it comes to preparation, peppers can be eaten raw or cooked. Raw peppers are great for adding crunch to salads and sandwiches. Cooked peppers can be stir-fried, roasted, grilled, or stuffed. They are also low in calories and contain trace minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium. Growing peppers in Colorado is easy because the climate is warm and sunny most of the year. Peppers are a great way to spice up any meal.
6. Beans
Beans are incredibly versatile and nutritious legumes consumed for centuries in many parts of the world. There are countless varieties of beans, including kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, white beans, and garbanzo beans. They are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron and magnesium.
Beans can be enjoyed cooked or raw in salads, soups, burritos, and other dishes. Growing beans in Colorado is easy due to the warm temperatures and sunshine. Plant your beans in early spring for best results and harvest them when tender and plump.
7. Carrots
Carrots are root vegetables enjoyed for centuries due to their sweet flavor and health benefits. From baby carrots to full-sized heirloom varieties, there’s something for everyone. Carrots contain nutrients, including beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin A, and potassium. The orange color of carrots comes from the beta-carotene pigment, which is converted to vitamin A in the body.
Carrots can be cooked or eaten raw in salads and other dishes. They are easy to grow in Colorado’s climate and should be planted in early spring for best results. When harvesting carrots, wait until they are a few inches long and pull them gently from the ground. Carrots are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to any meal.
8. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are widely grown worldwide and are one of the most popular vegetables in home gardens. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, adding flavor and texture to various dishes. Eating tomatoes may help reduce your risk of some chronic diseases.
Tomatoes are easy to grow in Colorado’s climate and can be planted as early as mid-April. Once the plants produce fruit, harvest them when fully ripe for the best flavor and texture. Tomatoes can be raw in salads, sandwiches, or salsas or cooked into sauces and other dishes.
9. Squash
Squash is a popular vegetable with many varieties, including zucchini, acorn, butternut, and spaghetti squash. It’s a great source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, calcium, and potassium. Eating squash can help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases due to its high antioxidant content.
Growing squash in Colorado is easy since the climate is warm and sunny most of the year. Plant your squash in early spring for best results and harvest when the fruits are firm and small. Squash can be cooked or eaten raw in salads and other dishes.
10. Beets
Beets are a versatile root vegetable that is full of many beneficial nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including folate, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Beets also contain antioxidants, which can help protect against certain types of cancer and other diseases.
Beets can be eaten raw or cooked in various salads or soups. They have a sweet and earthy flavor that can add an exciting dimension to any meal.
Growing beets in Colorado is easy due to the warm temperatures and sunshine. Plant your beets in early spring for best results and harvest when they are two to three inches long. Beets are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. What Is The Most Common Plant In Colorado?
The Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) is the most common plant in Colorado. This coniferous tree species can be found throughout much of the western United States, including Colorado. It is one of the most iconic and recognizable trees in the state and plays an important role in the ecology and landscape of Colorado.
2. What Vegetables Grow Best In Colorado?
Some of the best vegetables to grow in Colorado include potatoes, beans, carrots, tomatoes, squash, and beets. Colorado’s climate is ideal for growing these vegetables due to its warm, sunny weather.
These vegetables are easy to grow and can be harvested in the summer or fall. Planting your vegetables early in the season will give them the best chance of thriving and producing a good yield.
3. What Fruits Grow Best In Colorado?
Colorado’s climate is ideal for growing various delicious and nutritious fruits. The best are apples, pears, peaches, cherries, apricots, melons, and berries. Apples and pears can be grown in the mountains or along the Front Range, while peach and cherry trees thrive throughout much of the state.
Melons and berries are best suited for the warmer climate of the state’s Southwestern corner. Planting these fruits early in the season will give them the best chance of thriving and producing a good yield.
4. What Is The Longest Growing Season In Colorado?
The longest growing season in Colorado can vary depending on the region of the state. Generally speaking. However, the longest growing season occurs in the state’s southeastern part, which is known to have a semi-arid climate.
This area tends to have a longer and warmer spring and summer, with fewer days below freezing during these months. The warmest months tend to be June through September, with temperatures ranging from the low 70s to the high 90s (Fahrenheit).
5. Is Colorado Good For Gardening?
Colorado is a great place for gardening. Not only does the state have an abundance of sunshine, but it also has nutrient-rich soil, and its diverse climate provides a range of growing conditions.
Colorado is home to hardy native plants like Columbines, Huckleberry Bushes, and various varieties of Wild Roses that have adapted well to the Rocky Mountain environment.
Conclusion
Colorado is an excellent place to garden thanks to its warm, sunny climate and nutrient-rich soil. Some of the best vegetables to grow in the state are potatoes, beans, carrots, tomatoes, squash, and beets. Fruits like apples, pears, peaches, cherries, apricots, melons, and berries can also thrive in Colorado’s climate.
