When to plant Salsify in Hingham, MA
The best window to plant Salsify in Hingham, is April 4–April 25, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 18; first frost October 26. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Salsify in Hingham, MA
August in the garden — Plymouth County, Massachusetts
Welcome to August in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Basket week: salsify
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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Kick off the fall garden with salsify
Count back from your first frost (October 26) — these need to mature before the cold arrives.
Salsify is a root vegetable with a subtle oyster-like flavor, earning it the nickname "oyster plant." It produces long, slender, cream-colored roots.
Hingham, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 947 feet, Plymouth County receives approximately 46.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Salsify during the growing season.
Hingham Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.6
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 Hingham
How your county's soil matches Salsify's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.6) is more acidic than Salsify prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Plymouth County is excellent for Salsify — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Salsify.
How to Plant Salsify
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Salsify Water Budget
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 | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Plymouth 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 — Hingham, MA
Salsify Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Aug 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
100–130 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Plymouth County
Growing Tips for Salsify in Hingham
Direct sow Salsify outdoors after April 18 in Plymouth 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 Hingham, MA?
In Hingham, MA, plant Salsify after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hingham, MA for Salsify?
Hingham sits in USDA Zone 6b. Salsify grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Salsify grow in Hingham's climate?
Yes — Salsify grows well in Hingham's temperate climate. Hingham averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 26.
Your Plymouth County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Plymouth County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.