When to plant Salsify in Moline, IL
For Moline, gardeners: plant Salsify April 1 through April 22 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 10 to August 24 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Salsify in Moline, IL
Rock Island County, Illinois gardeners: here's your July plan
Your Rock Island County, Illinois garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
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Bring in the salsify
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- First harvests: salsify
- Fall sowing: salsify
Salsify is a root vegetable with a subtle oyster-like flavor, earning it the nickname "oyster plant." It produces long, slender, cream-colored roots.
Moline, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 1,172 feet, Rock Island County receives approximately 35.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Salsify to ensure they mature before fall.
Moline Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Salsify Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Moline
How your county's soil matches Salsify's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.9) is within Salsify's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Rock Island County is excellent for Salsify — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Salsify will thrive.
How to Plant Salsify
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Salsify Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Salsify
Salsify needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Salsify Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Rock Island County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Salsify Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Salsify Planting Timeline — Moline, IL
Salsify Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Aug 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
100–130 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Rock Island County
Growing Tips for Salsify in Moline
Direct sow Salsify outdoors after April 15 in Rock Island County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Salsify in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Salsify in Other Locations
When should I plant Salsify in Moline, IL?
In Moline, IL, plant Salsify after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Moline, IL for Salsify?
Moline sits in USDA Zone 5b. Salsify grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Salsify grow in Moline's climate?
Yes — Salsify grows well in Moline's temperate climate. Moline averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 19.
Your Rock Island County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rock Island County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.