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When to plant Chicory in Norman County, MN

Spring Chicory in Norman County goes in May 3–May 24, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from July 9 to July 23 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chicory in Norman 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.

Norman County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.

At an elevation of 1,086 feet, Norman County receives approximately 38.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall.

Norman County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
144 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
144 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Norman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chicory Planting Timeline — Norman County, MN

Chicory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 12
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 – May 24
Harvest July 12 Jul 12 – Aug 23
Fall Sowing July 9 Jul 9 – Jul 23

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August 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 4a

📆 Growing Season

144 days in Norman County

Growing Tips for Norman 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chicory in Norman County, MN?

Norman County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Norman County, MN?

Norman County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 1.

When should I plant Chicory in Norman County, MN?

In Norman County, MN, plant Chicory after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Norman County, MN for Chicory?

Norman 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 Norman County's climate?

Yes — Chicory grows well in Norman County's temperate climate. Norman County averages a 144-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 1.

🌱

Your Norman County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Norman 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Norman County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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