When to plant Chicory in Missaukee County, MI
Plant Chicory in Missaukee County after May 19; the prime window is May 5–May 26. A second sowing from July 22 to August 5 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Missaukee County, MI
June in the garden — Missaukee County, Michigan
Welcome to June in Zone 5a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Sow chicory in trays indoors
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- 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.
Missaukee County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.
At an elevation of 667 feet, Missaukee County receives approximately 32.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Missaukee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7
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 Missaukee County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.0) is within Chicory's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Missaukee County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — 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 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 22.
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Missaukee 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 — Missaukee County, MI
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 1 |
| Fall Sowing | July 22 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
134 days in Missaukee County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Missaukee County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after May 19 in Missaukee 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 Missaukee County, MI?
Missaukee County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Missaukee County, MI?
Missaukee County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 30.
When should I plant Chicory in Missaukee County, MI?
In Missaukee County, MI, plant Chicory after the last frost (around May 19) and before the first frost (around September 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Missaukee County, MI for Chicory?
Missaukee 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 Missaukee County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Missaukee County's temperate climate. Missaukee County averages a 134-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 19 and first frost around September 30.
Your Missaukee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Missaukee 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.