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When to Plant Chicory in Wisconsin

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.

Wisconsin spans USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Chicory planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Chicory Planting Calendar for Wisconsin

Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 12
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 – May 24
Fall Sowing June 30 Jun 30 – Jul 14
Harvest July 12 Jul 12 – Aug 23
Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 – May 20
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 – May 20
Fall Sowing July 6 Jul 6 – Jul 20
Harvest July 8 Jul 8 – Aug 19
Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 3
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 – May 15
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 – May 15
Fall Sowing July 11 Jul 11 – Jul 25
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 – Aug 14
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 – May 2
Fall Sowing July 30 Jul 30 – Aug 13
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Aug 8
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 – Aug 18
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 – Aug 1

Growing Tips for Wisconsin

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chicory in Wisconsin?

Planting dates for Chicory in Wisconsin depend on your USDA zone. Wisconsin spans zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Wisconsin for planting?

Wisconsin contains USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.