When to plant Chicory in Alger County, MI
Alger County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Plant Chicory between April 26 (after last frost on May 10) and May 17. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Alger County, MI
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.
Alger County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 1,014 feet, Alger County receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall.
Alger County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory Planting Timeline — Alger County, MI
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Aug 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | 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
159 days in Alger County
Growing Tips for Alger 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 Alger County, MI?
Alger County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alger County, MI?
Alger County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Chicory in Alger County, MI?
In Alger County, MI, plant Chicory after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Alger County, MI for Chicory?
Alger 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 Alger County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Alger County's temperate climate. Alger County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 16.
Your Alger County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Alger 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.