When to plant Chicory in Ignacio, CO
Ignacio's climate puts the Chicory spring window between May 17 and June 7. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from July 13 to July 27 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Ignacio, CO
July in La Plata County, Colorado — your action list
Each item below is timed to La Plata County, Colorado's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Get chicory seeds going inside
You're about 11 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
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Direct-sow chicory for cool weather
Count back from your first frost (September 21) — these need to mature before the cold arrives.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- 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.
Ignacio, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.
At an elevation of 5,246 feet, La Plata County receives approximately 14.9 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. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chicory successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Ignacio Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.9
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 Ignacio
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.9) is more alkaline than Chicory prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in La Plata County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Chicory.
How to Plant Chicory
Fall planting: Sow 10 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 Jul 13.
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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in La Plata 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 — Ignacio, CO
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | August 2 | Aug 2 – Sep 13 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
113 days in La Plata County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Ignacio
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after May 31 in La Plata 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.
La Plata County receives only 15" of rain annually. Chicory needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Ignacio, CO?
In Ignacio, CO, plant Chicory after the last frost (around May 31) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ignacio, CO for Chicory?
Ignacio sits in USDA Zone 6a. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Ignacio's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Ignacio's temperate climate. Ignacio averages a 113-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 31 and first frost around September 21.
Your La Plata County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for La Plata County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.