When to plant Chicory in Shingleton,
Plant Chicory in Shingleton, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 26. Continue planting through May 17 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Shingleton, MI
June to-do list for Shingleton, MI
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.
-
Fire up the seed-starting tray: chicory
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: 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.
Shingleton, 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.
Shingleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.1
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 Shingleton
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.1) overlaps with Chicory's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Alger County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chicory.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — 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 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.
Chicory Water Budget
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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Alger 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 — Shingleton, 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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Alger County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Shingleton
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after May 10 in Alger 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
When should I plant Chicory in Shingleton, ?
In Shingleton, , 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 Shingleton, for Chicory?
Shingleton sits in USDA Zone 5a. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Shingleton's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Shingleton's temperate climate. Shingleton 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.