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When to plant Cosmos in Sherburne County, MN

Plant Cosmos in Sherburne County from May 8 to May 29 in spring. Sherburne County sits in USDA Zone 4b, with last frost around May 1 and first frost on October 6.

When to Plant Cosmos in Sherburne County, MN

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is an airy, feathery-foliaged cottage garden annual from Mexico that thrives on neglect. It produces delicate daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, white, and magenta from midsummer until frost. Cosmos is a prolific self-sower — once established in a garden it often returns year after year without replanting. Excellent habitat plant for beneficial insects.

Sherburne County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 568 feet, Sherburne County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cosmos to ensure they mature before fall.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Sherburne County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Sherburne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cosmos Planting Timeline — Sherburne County, MN

Cosmos Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 17
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 – May 22
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 – May 29
Bloom July 17 Jul 17 – Oct 9

Plant 0.3" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

📆 Growing Season

158 days in Sherburne County

Growing Tips for Sherburne County

Direct-sow after last frost; cosmos germinates readily at 65-80°F in 7-10 days. Avoid rich soil — excess fertility produces lush foliage at the expense of blooms. Cosmos tolerates poor, dry soil exceptionally well. Pinch seedlings at 8 inches to encourage branching. Self-sows freely; allow some seed heads to mature and drop for a no-fuss perennial effect in warm climates.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cosmos in Sherburne County, MN?

Sherburne County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Cosmos planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sherburne County, MN?

Sherburne County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Cosmos in Sherburne County, MN?

In Sherburne County, MN, plant Cosmos after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sherburne County, MN for Cosmos?

Sherburne County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Cosmos grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cosmos grow in Sherburne County's climate?

Yes — Cosmos grows well in Sherburne County's temperate climate. Sherburne County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around October 6.

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Your Sherburne County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sherburne 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.

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

Sources & credits

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