When to plant Phlox in Fillmore County, MN
Plant Phlox in Fillmore County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 17. Continue planting through June 7 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Phlox in Fillmore County, MN
Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a beloved native perennial of eastern North America, producing large, domed clusters of fragrant flowers atop upright stems from mid-summer into fall. Its sweet honey-like fragrance carries on summer evenings and draws hummingbirds, butterflies, and sphinx moths. Modern cultivars offer colors spanning white, pink, salmon, red, purple, and bicolors. A classic cottage garden stalwart, phlox combines well with black-eyed Susans, echinacea, and ornamental grasses in naturalistic plantings. Select mildew-resistant cultivars for best long-term performance.
Fillmore County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 870 feet, Fillmore County receives approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Phlox to ensure they mature before fall.
Fillmore County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Phlox
Phlox needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Phlox Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Fillmore County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Phlox Planting Timeline — Fillmore County, MN
Phlox Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Bloom | August 9 | Aug 9 – Oct 18 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
80–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
156 days in Fillmore County
Growing Tips for Fillmore County
Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost, or transplant container divisions in spring. Named cultivar seeds may not come true; divisions from named plants are the preferred propagation method. Space generously (18–24 inches) and avoid overhead watering to reduce powdery mildew risk. Good air circulation is critical — thin clumps to the strongest 5–7 stems per plant in spring. Deadhead after the primary bloom flush to encourage secondary flowering. Division every 2–3 years in spring keeps plants vigorous. Fall planting of divisions (Zones 5+) is equally effective. Year 2+ plants develop into full clumps with the most prolific bloom.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Phlox in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Phlox in Fillmore County, MN?
Fillmore County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Phlox planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fillmore County, MN?
Fillmore County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Phlox in Fillmore County, MN?
In Fillmore County, MN, plant Phlox after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fillmore County, MN for Phlox?
Fillmore County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Phlox grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Phlox grow in Fillmore County's climate?
Yes — Phlox grows well in Fillmore County's temperate climate. Fillmore County averages a 156-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 6.
Your Fillmore County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fillmore County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.