When to Plant Chicory in Elmore County, ID
Your April game plan for Elmore County, Idaho
April rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Elmore County, Idaho.
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Move chicory into the garden
Frost risk is low now in Elmore County, Idaho. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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Plant chicory from seed, right in the garden
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
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.
Elmore County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 5,944 feet, Elmore County receives approximately 20.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Elmore County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Elmore County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.3) is more alkaline than Chicory prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Elmore County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chicory.
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 Jul 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 05.
Plant 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Elmore 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 — Elmore County, ID
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Elmore County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Elmore County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after April 27 in Elmore 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.
Elmore County receives only 20" 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 Elmore County, ID?
Elmore County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Elmore County, ID?
Elmore County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 14.
Your Elmore County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Elmore 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.