When to plant Chicory in Lake County, MN
For Chicory in Lake County, the safe spring window opens around May 25 and closes around June 15. Last expected frost is June 1, first fall frost September 12, giving a 103-day growing season. A second sowing from June 20 to July 4 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Lake County, MN
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, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 1 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 103 days.
At an elevation of 1,191 feet, Lake County receives approximately 36.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory Planting Timeline — Lake County, MN
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 |
| Direct Sow | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 15 |
| Harvest | August 3 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 |
| Fall Sowing | June 20 | Jun 20 – Jul 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
103 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Lake 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 Lake County, MN?
Lake County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 1. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, MN?
Lake County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 1 and first fall frost is September 12.
When should I plant Chicory in Lake County, MN?
In Lake County, MN, plant Chicory after the last frost (around June 1) and before the first frost (around September 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lake County, MN for Chicory?
Lake County sits in USDA Zone 4a. 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 103-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 1 and first frost around September 12.
Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.