When to Plant Chicory in Chippewa County, MN
Chicory is a hardy perennial grown for its bitter leaves and roots. The roots can be roasted as a coffee substitute, and the leaves add complexity to salads.
Chippewa County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. 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 626 feet, Chippewa County receives approximately 34.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall.
Chippewa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Chippewa County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.0) is within Chicory's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Chippewa County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chicory.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Chicory will thrive.
How to Plant Chicory
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chicory
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 12.
Plant Water Budget
Chicory Planting Timeline — Chippewa County, MN
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Chippewa County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Chippewa County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after May 02 in Chippewa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chicory in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow seeds directly in spring. Thin plants to 8-12 inches apart. For forcing, dig roots in fall and replant in a dark, cool area to produce blanched chicons.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Chicory in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chicory in Chippewa County, MN?
Chippewa County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Chippewa County, MN?
Chippewa County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Chippewa County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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