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When to Plant Salsify in Androscoggin County, ME

Salsify is a root vegetable with a subtle oyster-like flavor, earning it the nickname "oyster plant." It produces long, slender, cream-colored roots.

Androscoggin County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.

At an elevation of 1,087 feet, Androscoggin County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Salsify during the growing season.

Androscoggin County, ME (Zone 5a) Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost May 8
151 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Androscoggin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (5 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Sep 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (4 days to spare)
Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Aug 21 – Oct 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (3 days to spare)
Transplant: May 26 🍅 Harvest: Sep 8 – Oct 20

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Salsify needs ~1,754 GDD — county provides 2,302 GDD Excellent fit

Salsify Planting Timeline โ€” Androscoggin County, ME

Salsify Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 โ€“ May 15
Fall Sowing July 28 Jul 28 โ€“ Aug 11
Harvest August 7 Aug 7 โ€“ Sep 18

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Fall Sowing
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

100โ€“130 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5a

Growing Season

151 days

Growing Tips for Androscoggin County

Direct sow in spring in deeply worked, stone-free soil. Use fresh seed only as viability drops quickly. Harvest in late fall after frost for best flavor.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Salsify in Androscoggin County, ME?

Androscoggin County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Salsify planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Androscoggin County, ME?

Androscoggin County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 6.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Androscoggin County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Androscoggin County, ME. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.