Planting zones · Grand Junction, Colorado
What Planting Zone Is Grand Junction?
Grand Junction is in USDA zone 6b–7a. Western Slope high desert in the Grand Valley at about 4,900 ft: only about 9 in. of precipitation, July highs near 95°F, and a median frost-free season of about 171 days.
- USDA zone (2023)6b–7a
- Coldest night (avg.)0 to 5°FZIP 81501
- Median last frostApr 2832°F
- Median first frostOct 1632°F
- Annual precipitation9.1 inches
- Frost-free season171 days
Grand Junction hardiness zone by ZIP code
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Grand Junction fall in zones 6b to 7a; 81501 (zone 7a) has an average annual extreme minimum of 0 to 5°F. Choose perennials, shrubs, and trees rated at least to zone 6 if you live in one of the colder ZIPs.
| ZIP | Zone | Avg. coldest night |
|---|---|---|
| 81501 | 7a | 0 to 5°F |
| 81504 | 7a | 0 to 5°F |
| 81505 | 6b | -5 to 0°F |
| 81506 | 7a | 0 to 5°F |
Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.
Frost dates and when to plant
The median last spring frost (32°F) at Grand Junction Regional Airport is Apr 28 and the median first fall frost is Oct 16, a typical frost-free season of about 171 days.
Plant container perennials and shrubs after the median last frost (Apr 28), or in early fall at least six weeks before the median first frost (Oct 16) so roots can settle in before the ground freezes.
Rainfall and heat in Grand Junction
Average annual precipitation is 9.1 inches (Grand Junction Regional Airport, 1991–2020), spread across the year with September the wettest month and June the driest.
The average high in July is about 95°F and the average low in January is about 17°F, measured at about 4,860 ft.
That is why a zone rating alone isn't enough for a xeriscape here: pick plants that are both cold-hardy to zone 6 and rated very low or low water once established.
Low-water plants for Grand Junction
72 plants in our database are hardy to zone 6 and suited to zone 7. Here are 12, driest first, across plant types.
Adam's Needle YuccaYucca filamentosaZones 4–10 · Very low water
Apache PlumeFallugia paradoxaZones 4–8 · Very low water
Blanket FlowerGaillardia aristataZones 3–8 · Very low water
Blue GramaBouteloua gracilisZones 3–10 · Very low water
Claret Cup CactusEchinocereus triglochidiatusZones 5–9 · Very low water
Gambel OakQuercus gambeliiZones 4–8 · Very low water
Hardy Ice PlantDelosperma cooperiZones 5–9 · Very low water
Havard AgaveAgave havardianaZones 5–9 · Very low water
Big SagebrushArtemisia tridentataZones 4–9 · Very low water
Chocolate FlowerBerlandiera lyrataZones 4–9 · Very low water
Little BluestemSchizachyrium scopariumZones 3–9 · Very low water
Plains Prickly PearOpuntia polyacanthaZones 4–9 · Very low water
Frequently asked questions
What planting zone is Grand Junction?
Grand Junction, CO is in USDA hardiness zone 6b–7a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (81501: 7a, 81504: 7a, 81505: 6b, 81506: 7a). In 81501, the average coldest night of the year is 0 to 5°F.
When is the last frost in Grand Junction?
The median last spring frost (32°F) at Grand Junction Regional Airport is Apr 28 and the median first fall frost is Oct 16, a typical frost-free season of about 171 days.
How much rain does Grand Junction get?
Average annual precipitation is 9.1 inches (Grand Junction Regional Airport, 1991–2020), spread across the year with September the wettest month and June the driest.
Sources
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Grand Junction Regional Airport (USW00023066). ncei.noaa.gov
- USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov