When to plant Chicory in Benzie County, MI
For Chicory in Benzie County, the safe spring window opens around April 28 and closes around May 19. Last expected frost is May 12, first fall frost October 13, giving a 154-day growing season. A second sowing from August 4 to August 18 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Benzie 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.
Benzie County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 1,075 feet, Benzie County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Benzie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory Planting Timeline — Benzie County, MI
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
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 6b
📆 Growing Season
154 days in Benzie County
Growing Tips for Benzie 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 Benzie County, MI?
Benzie County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benzie County, MI?
Benzie County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Chicory in Benzie County, MI?
In Benzie County, MI, plant Chicory after the last frost (around May 12) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Benzie County, MI for Chicory?
Benzie County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Benzie County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Benzie County's temperate climate. Benzie County averages a 154-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 12 and first frost around October 13.
Your Benzie County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Benzie County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.