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When to plant Salsify in Hennepin County, MN

Plant Salsify in Hennepin County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 9. Continue planting through April 30 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Salsify in Hennepin 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.

Hennepin County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.

At an elevation of 694 feet, Hennepin County receives approximately 36.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Salsify to ensure they mature before fall.

Hennepin County, MN (Zone 5a) Moderate season
169 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
169 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Hennepin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.2

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 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Salsify Planting Timeline — Hennepin County, MN

Salsify Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 30
Harvest July 23 Jul 23 – Sep 3
Fall Sowing July 31 Jul 31 – Aug 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing 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 5a

📆 Growing Season

169 days in Hennepin County

Growing Tips for Hennepin 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 Hennepin County, MN?

Hennepin County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Salsify planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hennepin County, MN?

Hennepin County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Salsify in Hennepin County, MN?

In Hennepin County, MN, plant Salsify after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hennepin County, MN for Salsify?

Hennepin County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Salsify grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Salsify grow in Hennepin County's climate?

Yes — Salsify grows well in Hennepin County's temperate climate. Hennepin County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 9.

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Your Hennepin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hennepin County (Zone 5a). 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 Hennepin County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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