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When to plant Chervil in Polk County, MN

The best window to plant Chervil in Polk County, is May 4–May 25, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 11; first frost October 1. A second sowing from July 9 to July 23 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chervil in Polk County, MN

Chervil is a delicate herb with a subtle anise-parsley flavor, essential in French cuisine as part of fines herbes. It prefers cool conditions and partial shade.

Polk County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.

At an elevation of 1,053 feet, Polk County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chervil to ensure they mature before fall.

Polk County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
143 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
143 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Polk County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chervil

Chervil needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Chervil Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Chervil Planting Timeline — Polk County, MN

Chervil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 13
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18
Direct Sow May 4 May 4 – May 25
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Aug 17
Fall Sowing July 9 Jul 9 – Jul 23

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

📆 Growing Season

143 days in Polk County

Growing Tips for Polk County

Direct sow in early spring or fall as chervil bolts in heat. Provide shade and cool conditions. Harvest outer leaves as needed; use fresh as it loses flavor when dried.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chervil in Polk County, MN?

Polk County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Chervil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Polk County, MN?

Polk County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 1.

When should I plant Chervil in Polk County, MN?

In Polk County, MN, plant Chervil after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Polk County, MN for Chervil?

Polk County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Chervil grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chervil grow in Polk County's climate?

Yes — Chervil grows well in Polk County's temperate climate. Polk County averages a 143-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around October 1.

🌱

Your Polk County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Polk 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 Polk County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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