When to Plant Chicory in Douglas 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.
Douglas County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 1,010 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 37.2 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.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
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.
Plant Water Budget
Chicory Planting Timeline — Douglas County, MN
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Aug 16 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–85 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
154 days
Growing Tips for Douglas County
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 Douglas County, MN?
Douglas County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, MN?
Douglas County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Douglas County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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