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When to plant Salsify in Benton County County,

For Benton County County, gardeners: plant Salsify April 25 through May 16 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from July 14 to July 28 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Salsify in Benton County, MN

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

Benton County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.

At an elevation of 1,178 feet, Benton County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Salsify to ensure they mature before fall.

Benton County, MN (Zone 4a) Moderate season
157 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
157 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Benton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7

Drainage

Well Drained

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Benton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Salsify Planting Timeline — Benton County, MN

Salsify Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest August 8 Aug 8 – Sep 19
Fall Sowing July 14 Jul 14 – Jul 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

100–130 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

📆 Growing Season

157 days in Benton County

Growing Tips for Benton 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Salsify in Benton County, MN?

Benton County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Salsify planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Benton County, MN?

Benton County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Salsify in Benton County County, ?

In Benton County County, , plant Salsify after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Benton County County, for Salsify?

Benton County County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Salsify grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Salsify grow in Benton County County's climate?

Yes — Salsify grows well in Benton County County's temperate climate. Benton County County averages a 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 6.

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Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Benton County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Benton County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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