When to plant Chicory in Murphys, CA
Aim to plant Chicory in Murphys on or after March 18; the window stays open through April 8. Murphys's 218-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from September 17 to October 1 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Murphys, CA
July to-do list for Calaveras County, California
Each item below is timed to Calaveras County, California's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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It's harvest week for chicory
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Murphys, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 2,363 feet, Calaveras County receives approximately 25 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall.
Murphys Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.6
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 Murphys
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.6) is more alkaline than Chicory prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Calaveras County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Chicory.
How to Plant Chicory
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chicory
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 17.
Chicory Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Calaveras County). 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 — Murphys, CA
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 8 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jul 22 |
| Fall Sowing | September 17 | Sep 17 – Oct 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
218 days in Calaveras County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Murphys
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after April 08 in Calaveras 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chicory in Other Locations
When should I plant Chicory in Murphys, CA?
In Murphys, CA, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Murphys, CA for Chicory?
Murphys sits in USDA Zone 9a. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Murphys's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Murphys's temperate climate. Murphys averages a 218-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around November 12.
Your Calaveras County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Calaveras County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.