When to plant Lilies in Swift County, MN
In Swift County, Lilies is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 16–May 30 for an 70–120-day harvest, finishing well before the October 4 first frost.
When to Plant Lilies in Swift County, MN
Lilies (Lilium spp.) are among the most impressive summer-blooming bulbs, delivering bold, upward- or outward-facing trumpet blooms on tall stems from June through August. Asiatic hybrids are the most cold-hardy, earliest to bloom, and easiest to grow; Oriental hybrids bloom later with intensely fragrant, larger flowers. Orienpet (OT) hybrids combine the hardiness of Asiatics with the fragrance and size of Orientals. True lilies (not to be confused with daylilies, which are Hemerocallis) form scaly bulbs that persist and multiply underground, returning reliably each year with increasingly large clumps.
Swift County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 1,212 feet, Swift County receives approximately 35.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lilies to ensure they mature before fall.
Swift County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lilies Planting Timeline — Swift County, MN
Lilies Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Bloom | August 8 | Aug 8 – Oct 10 |
Plant 5" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Swift County
Growing Tips for Swift County
Plant bulbs in fall (preferred, September–October) or spring, setting them 3 times their diameter deep (typically 4–6 inches) with the pointed end up. Lilies need excellent drainage — they will rot in wet or heavy clay soils. Site with full sun on stems and blooms but cool, shaded soil at the base (ground cover or shallow-rooted annuals at their feet is ideal). Remove spent blooms but leave stems and foliage until they yellow naturally, as the bulb needs the foliage to photosynthesize and rebuild energy stores. Red lily beetle is a serious pest in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest; inspect plants regularly and hand-pick adults and larvae. Never plant Oriental or Asiatic lilies near cats — all Lilium species are highly toxic to cats. Year 2+ bulbs produce the most stems and largest blooms.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lilies in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lilies in Swift County, MN?
Swift County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Lilies planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Swift County, MN?
Swift County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 4.
When should I plant Lilies in Swift County, MN?
In Swift County, MN, plant Lilies after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Swift County, MN for Lilies?
Swift County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Lilies grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lilies grow in Swift County's climate?
Yes — Lilies grows well in Swift County's temperate climate. Swift County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 4.
Your Swift County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Swift 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.