When to plant Chicory in Lake County, MI
Chicory planted in Lake County between April 30 and May 21 matures in 60–85 days — well before the October 6 first frost. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Lake County, MI
Top priorities for Lake County, Michigan gardeners in June
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Start chicory under lights
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: chicory
- Fall sowing: 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.
Lake County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 733 feet, Lake County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
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 Lake County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.1) overlaps with Chicory's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lake County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Chicory will thrive.
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 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 28.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Lake 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 — Lake County, MI
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
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 | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
145 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Lake County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after May 14 in Lake 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.
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 Lake County, MI?
Lake County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, MI?
Lake County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Chicory in Lake County, MI?
In Lake County, MI, plant Chicory after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lake County, MI for Chicory?
Lake 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 Lake County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 145-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around October 6.
Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lake 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.