When to plant Chicory in Bethel Census Area, AK
In Bethel Census Area, plant Chicory in spring between May 15 and June 5, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Bethel Census Area's last frost averages May 22, so be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. For a fall crop, sow between June 29 and July 13 — roughly 60–85 days before the first frost on September 21.
When to Plant Chicory in Bethel Census Area, AK
Your June planting checklist for Bethel Census Area, Alaska
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Bethel Census Area, Alaska this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Direct-sow chicory for cool weather
Keep young seedlings shaded and moist in summer heat. A row of taller crops works as natural shade.
July prep starts now
- Starting indoors: chicory
- First harvests: chicory
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.
Bethel Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 122 days.
At an elevation of 1,369 feet, Bethel Census Area receives approximately 50.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 70°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chicory root diseases.
Bethel Census Area Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory 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 Bethel Census Area
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.3) overlaps with Chicory's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bethel Census Area is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chicory.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.8%) — 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 Jun 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 29.
Chicory Water Budget
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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 6.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Bethel Census Area). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chicory Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chicory Planting Timeline — Bethel Census Area, AK
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | July 24 | Jul 24 – Sep 4 |
| Fall Sowing | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
122 days in Bethel Census Area
Growing Tips for Chicory in Bethel Census Area
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after May 22 in Bethel Census Area 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chicory in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chicory in Bethel Census Area, AK?
Bethel Census Area is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bethel Census Area, AK?
Bethel Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 21.
When should I plant Chicory in Bethel Census Area, AK?
In Bethel Census Area, AK, plant Chicory after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bethel Census Area, AK for Chicory?
Bethel Census Area sits in USDA Zone 4a. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Bethel Census Area's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Bethel Census Area's temperate climate. Bethel Census Area averages a 122-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 21.
Your Bethel Census Area Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bethel Census Area (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.