When to plant sweet marjoram in Colorado Springs, Colorado

May 3 – May 17

Transplant outdoors · typical Colorado Springs year

Climate basis: NOAA station Colorado Springs Muni AP, CO (USW00093037), 7 mi (11 km) from downtown Colorado Springs (ZCTA 80903 centroid), elevation 6181 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant sweet marjoram outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (May 3). One year in ten still freezes after May 15.

Last spring freezeMay 31-in-10 after May 15
First fall freezeOctober 81-in-10 before Sep 26
Frost-free season158 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 24Oct 16kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6a-10 to -5°F winter low not frost timing

The Colorado Springs year

Start seeds indoorsMar 8 – Mar 22
Transplant outdoorsMay 3 – May 17
Direct-sow outdoorsApr 19 – May 3
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 15
Sweet Marjoram in Colorado Springs · freeze context from Colorado Springs Muni AP, CO, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Mar 8 – Mar 22

NC State's Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox starts marjoram seed indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost date, and Clemson HGIC gives the identical 6-to-8-week lead, so the two sources agree. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (May 3). NC State Extension, North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox · Clemson University Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center

Transplant outdoors

May 3 – May 17

Clemson HGIC sets marjoram transplants out after the last killing frost and UMD Extension names marjoram among herbs planted outside after the danger of frost has passed; both agree, so the window opens at the last spring freeze. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (May 3). Clemson University Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 19 – May 3

NC State's Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox gives a point rule — sow seed directly outdoors about two weeks before the last spring frost date — which opens a two-week sowing span ending at the last freeze; note the transplant window for this tender herb is later. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (May 3). NC State Extension, North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Variety assumption: Grown as an annual across most of the US; NC State's plant toolbox treats it as a tender perennial that is replaced each year in cold climates.

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (2)

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