When to plant Alliums in Otter Tail County, MN
The best window to plant Alliums in Otter Tail County, is mid-spring–late spring, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 11; first frost September 28. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Alliums in Otter Tail County, MN
Ornamental alliums (Allium spp.) bridge the gap between spring and summer with their striking globe-shaped flower heads in shades of purple, violet, white, and pink. Blooming after tulips have faded, they extend the spring display well into early summer. 'Gladiator', 'Globemaster', and 'Purple Sensation' produce softball-sized heads on 18–36 inch stems, while smaller species create charming accents at border fronts. Deer and rodents shun them completely due to the characteristic onion scent. Dried seed heads provide architectural interest into fall.
Otter Tail County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 571 feet, Otter Tail County receives approximately 40.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Alliums to ensure they mature before fall.
Otter Tail County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Alliums Planting Timeline — Otter Tail County, MN
Alliums Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | September 28 | Sep 28 – Oct 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 5" deep · 7" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
28–42 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Otter Tail County
Growing Tips for Otter Tail County
Plant bulbs in fall, 3–4 times as deep as the bulb diameter (typically 4–6 inches for large types, 3 inches for small species). Space 6–8 inches apart for standard cultivars. Foliage often looks untidy as it dies back before bloom — plant around perennials that will conceal the yellowing leaves. Excellent drainage is essential; alliums rot in wet soils. Leave bulbs in place for naturalization; divide every 3–4 years when clusters become congested. Deadhead spent globes or leave for ornamental seedheads and self-sowing.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Alliums in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Alliums in Otter Tail County, MN?
Otter Tail County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Alliums planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Otter Tail County, MN?
Otter Tail County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 28.
When should I plant Alliums in Otter Tail County, MN?
In Otter Tail County, MN, plant Alliums after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Otter Tail County, MN for Alliums?
Otter Tail County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Alliums grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Alliums grow in Otter Tail County's climate?
Yes — Alliums grows well in Otter Tail County's temperate climate. Otter Tail County averages a 140-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around September 28.
Your Otter Tail County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Otter Tail 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.