Colorado’s intense sun and dry air favor perennial vegetables that conserve water and handle temperature swings. If you’re looking for the best perennial vegetables in colorado, you’ve come to the right place. These plants come back year after year, saving you time and effort while providing fresh harvests. In this guide, we’ll explore top picks that thrive in Colorado’s unique climate, from the high plains to the mountain valleys.
Best Perennial Vegetables In Colorado
Perennial vegetables are a smart choice for Colorado gardeners. They survive winter freezes, resist drought, and produce food with less water than annuals. Below, you’ll find detailed recommendations, planting tips, and care strategies tailored to Colorado’s conditions.
Why Choose Perennial Vegetables In Colorado
Colorado’s growing season is short in many areas, especially at higher elevations. Perennials give you a head start each spring because they’re already established. They also build deep root systems that access moisture deep in the soil, reducing your watering needs. This is crucial in a state where water conservation matters.
Another benefit is soil health. Perennials reduce erosion and add organic matter as they grow. They also attract pollinators and beneficial insects, creating a more resilient garden. Plus, you plant them once and harvest for years.
Top Perennial Vegetables For Colorado Gardens
Asparagus
Asparagus is a classic perennial that thrives in Colorado. It needs well-drained soil and full sun. Plant crowns in early spring, and be patient—you’ll wait two years for a full harvest. Once established, it produces spears for 15-20 years.
- Varieties to try: ‘Jersey Knight’ and ‘Purple Passion’ handle cold well.
- Planting tips: Dig trenches 12 inches deep, space crowns 18 inches apart, and cover with 2 inches of soil. Add more soil as shoots grow.
- Care: Water deeply once a week during dry spells. Cut back ferns in fall after they turn yellow.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is another reliable perennial for Colorado. It prefers cool springs and can tolerate light frost. Plant crowns in early spring or fall. Rhubarb needs rich, well-drained soil and partial shade in hot areas.
- Varieties: ‘Victoria’ and ‘Canada Red’ are hardy choices.
- Harvesting: Wait until the second year. Pull stalks when they’re 12-18 inches long, leaving at least half the stalks for regrowth.
- Caution: Only eat the stalks—leaves are toxic.
Horseradish
Horseradish is a vigorous perennial that grows well in Colorado’s sandy loam. It needs full sun to partial shade. Plant root cuttings in spring, and it will spread quickly. Control its growth by planting in a container or using barriers.
- Planting: Set root pieces 2-3 inches deep, spaced 18 inches apart.
- Harvesting: Dig roots in fall after frost. Replant small pieces for next year.
- Uses: Grate fresh roots for sauces or pickling.
Egyptian Walking Onion
Also called tree onions, these perennials produce bulbils at the top of stalks. They’re extremely hardy and drought-tolerant. Plant bulbs in fall or early spring. They’ll multiply on their own.
- Growing tips: Space bulbs 6 inches apart in full sun. They tolerate poor soil.
- Harvesting: Use green tops as scallions in spring. Collect bulbils for planting or eating.
- Care: Water occasionally during dry periods. Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
Good King Henry
This ancient leafy green is perfect for Colorado. It grows in poor soil and handles drought. Plant seeds or transplants in spring. It produces tender shoots and leaves that taste like spinach.
- Varieties: Standard Good King Henry is the most common.
- Harvesting: Pick young leaves in spring and early summer. Cut flower stalks before they seed to extend harvest.
- Care: Mulch to retain moisture. It self-seeds readily.
Sea Kale
Sea kale is a coastal plant that adapts well to Colorado’s dry climate. It needs full sun and well-drained soil. Plant crowns in spring. Blanch shoots by covering them with pots or soil for tender stems.
- Varieties: ‘Lily White’ is a reliable cultivar.
- Harvesting: Cut blanched shoots when 6-8 inches long. Leaves can be eaten cooked.
- Care: Water deeply but infrequently. Protect from wind.
Perennial Kale
Also called tree kale or walking stick kale, this perennial produces leaves for years. It’s hardy to Zone 5, so it works in lower elevations of Colorado. Plant in full sun with rich soil.
- Varieties: ‘Daubenton’ and ‘Taunton Deane’ are popular.
- Harvesting: Pick outer leaves regularly. It can grow 4-6 feet tall.
- Care: Prune to encourage bushy growth. Protect from heavy snow.
How To Plant Perennial Vegetables In Colorado
Timing is key. Plant most perennials in early spring after the last frost, or in fall 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes. This gives roots time to establish. Colorado’s soil is often clay or sandy, so amend with compost.
- Choose a sunny spot: Most perennials need 6-8 hours of sun daily.
- Prepare the soil: Dig in 2-3 inches of compost. Test pH—aim for 6.0-7.0.
- Space plants properly: Give them room to spread. Crowding reduces yields.
- Water deeply after planting: Then water weekly until established.
- Mulch heavily: Use straw or wood chips to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature.
Caring For Perennial Vegetables In Colorado’s Climate
Colorado’s weather is unpredictable. Spring frosts can damage new growth, so be ready to cover plants. Summer hail is common—use row covers or shade cloth. Winter winds dry out plants, so mulch well and water evergreens like kale.
Watering Strategies
Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep roots. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to minimize evaporation. Water early in the morning. In drought years, prioritize established perennials over annuals.
Fertilizing
Perennials need less fertilizer than annuals. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in spring, like 10-10-10. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas that promote leafy growth at the expense of roots.
Winter Protection
Mulch with 4-6 inches of straw or leaves after the ground freezes. This prevents heaving from freeze-thaw cycles. For tender perennials like sea kale, add a layer of row cover.
Common Challenges And Solutions
Colorado gardeners face unique issues. Here are solutions for common problems:
- Poor soil drainage: Plant in raised beds or amend with sand and compost.
- Deer and rabbits: Use fencing or repellents. Perennials like rhubarb are less appealing.
- Frost damage: Cover plants with blankets or cloches. Choose hardy varieties.
- Pests: Aphids and asparagus beetles are common. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Weeds: Mulch heavily and hand-pull weeds regularly.
Harvesting And Storing Perennial Vegetables
Harvest at the right time for best flavor. Asparagus spears should be 6-8 inches tall. Rhubarb stalks are ready when firm and bright. Horseradish roots are best after frost sweetens them. Store most perennials in the refrigerator or root cellar.
Preserving Your Harvest
Freeze asparagus and rhubarb for winter use. Pickle horseradish roots. Dry Good King Henry leaves for tea. Perennial kale can be stored in a cold frame for fresh greens all winter.
Designing A Perennial Vegetable Garden In Colorado
Plan your garden for year-round interest. Place tall plants like asparagus on the north side. Use low-growing perennials like Good King Henry as ground cover. Include flowers like echinacea to attract pollinators.
Consider companion planting. Horseradish near potatoes deters pests. Rhubarb under fruit trees benefits from partial shade. Egyptian walking onions repel aphids from roses.
Top 5 Perennial Vegetables For Beginners In Colorado
- Asparagus – Low maintenance once established.
- Rhubarb – Tolerates neglect and cold.
- Egyptian Walking Onion – Almost foolproof.
- Good King Henry – Grows in poor soil.
- Horseradish – Thrives with minimal care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow perennial vegetables in containers in Colorado?
Yes, but choose large pots (at least 18 inches deep) for roots. Use quality potting mix and water more often. Horseradish and Egyptian walking onions do well in containers.
What is the easiest perennial vegetable to grow in Colorado?
Egyptian walking onion is the easiest. It spreads on its own and needs almost no care. Rhubarb is also very forgiving.
How do I protect perennial vegetables from Colorado’s winter?
Mulch heavily after the ground freezes. Use row covers for tender plants. Avoid pruning in fall—leave dead foliage to catch snow for insulation.
Can I plant perennial vegetables in Colorado’s mountains?
Yes, but choose cold-hardy varieties like rhubarb and Good King Henry. Plant in spring after snow melts. Use raised beds to warm soil faster.
Do perennial vegetables need full sun in Colorado?
Most do, but some like rhubarb and sea kale tolerate partial shade. In hot areas, afternoon shade can prevent bolting.
Final Tips For Success
Start small. Choose 2-3 perennials that match your site conditions. Prepare soil well—it’s a long-term investment. Be patient with slow starters like asparagus. Enjoy the rewards of a garden that keeps giving year after year.
Remember to water wisely, mulch generously, and protect from extremes. With these strategies, you’ll have a thriving perennial vegetable garden in Colorado. Happy planting!