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When to plant Salsify in Madison County, MT

Salsify planted in Madison County between May 28 and June 18 matures in 100–130 days — well before the September 13 first frost. A second sowing from July 5 to July 19 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Salsify in Madison County, MT

Salsify is a root vegetable with a subtle oyster-like flavor, earning it the nickname "oyster plant." It produces long, slender, cream-colored roots.

Madison County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 11 and the first fall frost is September 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.

At an elevation of 6,394 feet, Madison County receives approximately 20.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Salsify to ensure they mature before fall.

Madison County, MT (Zone 5a) Very short season
94 days
Last Spring Frost June 11
94 growing days
First Fall Frost September 13

Madison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Salsify Planting Timeline — Madison County, MT

Salsify Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 28 May 28 – Jun 18
Harvest September 10 Sep 10 – Oct 22
Fall Sowing July 5 Jul 5 – Jul 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Direct Sow
June Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing
August
September Harvest
October Harvest
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

94 days in Madison County

Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, MT?

Madison County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 11. Plan your Salsify planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madison County, MT?

Madison County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 11 and first fall frost is September 13.

When should I plant Salsify in Madison County, MT?

In Madison County, MT, plant Salsify after the last frost (around June 11) and before the first frost (around September 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Madison County, MT for Salsify?

Madison 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 Madison County's climate?

Yes — Salsify grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 94-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 11 and first frost around September 13.

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Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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