When to plant Chicory in Clark County, ID
For Chicory in Clark County, the safe spring window opens around May 24 and closes around June 14. Last expected frost is June 7, first fall frost September 10, giving a 95-day growing season. A second sowing from July 2 to July 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Clark County, ID
August in the garden — Clark County, Idaho
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this August, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Harvest chicory as they ripen
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Coming up in September — start thinking about
- 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.
Clark County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 95 days.
At an elevation of 7,493 feet, Clark County receives approximately 21.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall.
Clark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
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 Clark County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.8) is more alkaline than Chicory prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Clark County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Chicory.
How to Plant Chicory
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Chicory Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Clark 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 — Clark County, ID
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
| Direct Sow | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 14 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Sep 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 2 | Jul 2 – Jul 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
95 days in Clark County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Clark County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after June 07 in Clark County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 95.0-day growing season in Clark County is tight for Chicory (60.0-85.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Chicory in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Clark County receives only 22" 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chicory in Clark County, ID?
Clark County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 7. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clark County, ID?
Clark County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and first fall frost is September 10.
When should I plant Chicory in Clark County, ID?
In Clark County, ID, plant Chicory after the last frost (around June 7) and before the first frost (around September 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clark County, ID for Chicory?
Clark County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Clark County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Clark County's temperate climate. Clark County averages a 95-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 7 and first frost around September 10.
Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clark County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.