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When to Plant Chicory in Burke County, ND

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.

Burke County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.

At an elevation of 1,146 feet, Burke County receives approximately 21.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 79ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall.

Burke County, ND (Zone 3b) Short season
133 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
133 growing days
First Fall Frost September 24

Burke County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chicory

Chicory needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Chicory Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 2.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct โ€” 2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Sep in Burke County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Chicory Planting Timeline โ€” Burke County, ND

Chicory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 16
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 โ€“ May 28
Direct Sow May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 28
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 โ€“ Aug 27
Fall Sowing July 2 Jul 2 โ€“ Jul 16

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

60โ€“85 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 5.5โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 3b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

133 days in Burke County

Growing Tips for Burke 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chicory in Burke County, ND?

Burke County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Burke County, ND?

Burke County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 24.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Burke County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Burke County, ND. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.