When to plant Chicory in St. Louis County, MN
St. Louis County gardeners should plant Chicory between May 26 and June 16 in spring. With St. Louis County's Zone 3b climate (last frost June 2), Chicory needs 60–85 days to mature — plant by June 17 for a full harvest. A second sowing from June 18 to July 2 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in St. Louis 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.
St. Louis County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 100 days.
At an elevation of 531 feet, St. Louis County receives approximately 36.3 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.
St. Louis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in St. Louis County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chicory Planting Timeline — St. Louis County, MN
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Direct Sow | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Harvest | August 4 | Aug 4 – Sep 15 |
| Fall Sowing | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 2 |
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 3b
📆 Growing Season
100 days in St. Louis County
Growing Tips for St. Louis 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 St. Louis County, MN?
St. Louis County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of June 2. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Louis County, MN?
St. Louis County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and first fall frost is September 10.
When should I plant Chicory in St. Louis County, MN?
In St. Louis County, MN, plant Chicory after the last frost (around June 2) and before the first frost (around September 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is St. Louis County, MN for Chicory?
St. Louis County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in St. Louis County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in St. Louis County's temperate climate. St. Louis County averages a 100-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 2 and first frost around September 10.
Your St. Louis County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Louis County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.