What Growing Zone Is Crested Butte?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Crested Butte a growing zone designation of 5a. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Crested Butte's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Crested Butte's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

Latest CO growing zone map

If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the Crested Butte area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in Crested Butte, CO.

Seed Starting Trays

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Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Sturdy basket for collecting and carrying your garden harvest.

Raised Garden Planter

Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.

Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.

Small Greenhouse Kit

Compact greenhouse perfect for small spaces.

Latest CO growing zone map

The growing zone is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive based on average lowest year temperatures, helping you to decide what plants would grow best in your particular climate. Since Crested Butte is in growing zone 5a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -20 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Crested Butte's climate should be chosen with this in mind, or plants should be moved inside to keep their core temperature in the right range if necessary.

USDA growing zone map of the United States

Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if the Crested Butte area has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.

map of usda hardiness zone changes from 2012 to 2023

Half zone changes from 2012 to 2023

The updated map shows that over half of the Southeast has warmed by about half a zone. For gardeners, that means you can now grow plants that tolerate a bit more heat and less frost than before. The tan areas reflect this shift. Meanwhile, the white areas had slight temperature changes, but not enough to move them into a new zone. In the Western U.S., a few spots shifted cooler. That’s not due to a colder climate, but because the new map uses a larger dataset, giving a more accurate picture of local conditions. It's important to keep track of these changes when planning your garden!

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Hardiness Zone FAQ

Have questions about hardiness zones and what they mean for your garden? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to common questions about USDA hardiness zones and how they affect plant selection in Crested Butte, CO.

The USDA hardiness zone is 5a for Crested Butte. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

Crested Butte's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 5a

Zip Codes: 81224

Longitude: -106.9773

Latitude: 38.8676

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -20 to -15

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Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

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Metal Arbor Trellis

Decorative arbor trellis for climbing plants and garden entrance.

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.

Map of the Crested Butte Area

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High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.

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Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.

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Plants For Other States

Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.

Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Complete garden tool set with heavy-duty stainless steel tools for all your gardening needs.

Self Watering Plant Pots

Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.

Cluck Around Sign

Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.

Metal Arbor Trellis

Decorative arbor trellis for climbing plants and garden entrance.

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