When to plant Chicory in Shelby County, IA
Plant Chicory in Shelby County from April 16 to May 7 in spring. Shelby County sits in USDA Zone 5a, with last frost around April 30 and first frost on October 3. A second sowing from July 25 to August 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Shelby County, IA
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.
Shelby County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 1,113 feet, Shelby County receives approximately 30.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Shelby County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory Planting Timeline — Shelby County, IA
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 13 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
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 | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
156 days in Shelby County
Growing Tips for Shelby County
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 Shelby County, IA?
Shelby County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Shelby County, IA?
Shelby County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 3.
When should I plant Chicory in Shelby County, IA?
In Shelby County, IA, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Shelby County, IA for Chicory?
Shelby County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Shelby County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Shelby County's temperate climate. Shelby County averages a 156-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 3.
Your Shelby County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Shelby County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.