6 Late Summer Vegetables to Plant in Northern Colorado

Late summer in Northern Colorado offers gardeners an excellent second chance at fresh, homegrown vegetables. As the intense heat begins to fade and those cooler evenings return to Fort Collins and the Front Range, it's the perfect time to plant a new wave of crops that will thrive in our fall weather. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, there's still plenty of time to grow a vibrant, delicious late summer garden.

In our Hardiness Zones 4b-6a, certain vegetables prefer cooler temperatures. Many even develop better flavor after experiencing a light frost! Let's explore six reliable, cold-hardy vegetables that are perfect for planting now, and how you can set them up for success in our unique Northern Colorado climate.

Carrots: Sweet Rewards from Cool Soil

Daucus carota

Carrots are a classic fall crop that truly shines in Northern Colorado's cooler weather. These root vegetables love cool soil and are remarkably tolerant of cold nights. Many gardeners swear that a touch of frost brings out their natural sweetness, making fall carrots some of the best you'll ever taste!

Choose varieties that mature in 60–75 days, such as 'Danvers 126'. Sow seeds directly into well-loosened, compost-enriched soil in full sun. Because of our region's heavy clay soil, raised beds or deep containers filled with amended soil can help you grow those straight, tender roots we all love.

Carrot planting tip:

Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart, then thin to 2-3 inches once they sprout. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which can take up to three weeks in our semi-arid climate.

Radishes: Quick Harvest, Big Flavor

Raphanus sativus

Radishes are your best friend if you're looking for a fast harvest. Varieties like 'French Breakfast' are ready in as little as 25–30 days—perfect for a quick late-season crop that will have you enjoying fresh vegetables before the first frost.

Direct-sow radish seeds every week through mid-September for a steady supply. They prefer full sun to partial shade and benefit from loose, well-drained soil to prevent splitting. Water consistently to avoid that sharp, woody texture, and harvest promptly once mature.

Why grow radishes now?

Radishes become less spicy in cooler weather, adding a bright crunch to fall salads and roasted vegetable medleys.

Kale: The Ultimate Cold-Weather Champion

Brassica oleracea

Few vegetables can rival kale's resilience in Northern Colorado's changing weather. It thrives in the cool, crisp fall days and can even survive under light snow. The colder it gets, the sweeter and more tender the leaves become—it's like nature's way of rewarding patient gardeners.

Plant kale varieties like 'Lacinato' (or Dinosaur Kale) by mid-August for a hearty late harvest. Kale grows best in full sun but tolerates some afternoon shade. Give each plant about 12–18 inches of space and keep the soil evenly moist.

Kale - the gift that keeps giving:

Kale is a cut-and-come-again crop, meaning you can harvest outer leaves continuously throughout the season while the center keeps producing new growth.

Swiss Chard: Beautiful and Bountiful

Beta vulgaris

Don't let its striking rainbow stems fool you—Swiss chard is one of the hardiest and most versatile leafy greens you can grow in Northern Colorado. It withstands cool temperatures beautifully and continually produces colorful, nutritious leaves well into late fall.

Choose vibrant varieties like ‘Celebration’ and plant them in full sun in well-drained soil. Chard doesn't mind a bit of summer heat, but it truly shines when cooler nights return. Sow seeds directly or transplant starts, spacing them 8–12 inches apart.

A Recipe for Swiss Chard:

Use young leaves raw in salads or sauté mature leaves with garlic and olive oil for a comforting fall side dish that showcases the season's best flavors.

Beets: Double the Harvest, Double the Joy

Beta vulgaris

Beets offer double the reward: earthy, sweet roots and lush, flavorful greens. Late summer is an excellent time to sow beets for a fall harvest, especially since they tolerate mild frosts and even benefit from them, developing deeper, more complex flavors.

Look for quick-maturing types like 'Early Wonder'. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1–2 inches apart, then thin to 3–4 inches as they grow. Water consistently and mulch lightly to retain moisture in our semi-arid climate.

Can’t ‘beet’ that:

Beet greens are highly nutritious, and you can harvest them before the root is fully mature, so don't toss them! They're delicious sautéed or added to soups.

Spinach: Fast-Growing Fall Favorite

Spinacia oleracea

Spinach is another cool-season powerhouse ideal for late summer planting in Northern Colorado. It grows quickly—many varieties mature in 30–45 days—and handles our early frosts like a champion, becoming sweeter and more tender with cooler weather.

Plant seeds of cold-hardy types like 'Matador’ directly into rich, well-draining soil. Spinach thrives in full sun during cooler months but will appreciate a bit of shade if hot temperatures linger into September.

Keep Planting Spinach:

Sow seeds every 7–10 days through early fall for extended harvests. As with chard and kale, spinach leaves can be harvested young for tender salads or mature for cooking.

Your Fall Garden Success Starts at Bath Garden Center

Our staff at Bath Garden Center in Fort Collins understands Northern Colorado gardening and are here to help you make the most of every season. From locally adapted seeds to soil amendments and organic fertilizers, we have everything you need for a successful late summer planting.

Our team is happy to help you select the best varieties for your space, answer questions about soil preparation and watering schedules, and share gardening tips that work specifically in our unique Front Range climate. We know the challenges of gardening at elevation with our clay soil and semi-arid conditions, and we're here to help you overcome them.

Fall gardening in Northern Colorado is not only possible but productive and deeply satisfying. With the right vegetables and timing, you'll enjoy crisp greens, sweet roots, and colorful leaves well into the cooler months ahead.

Stop by Bath Garden Center in Fort Collins to get started on your fall garden adventure. We can't wait to grow something amazing with you this fall!