When to plant Chicory in Stearns County, MN
Spring Chicory in Stearns County goes in April 26–May 17, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from July 14 to July 28 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Stearns 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.
Stearns County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 772 feet, Stearns County receives approximately 37.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall.
Stearns County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory Planting Timeline — Stearns County, MN
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Aug 16 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
156 days in Stearns County
Growing Tips for Stearns 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 Stearns County, MN?
Stearns County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stearns County, MN?
Stearns County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Chicory in Stearns County, MN?
In Stearns County, MN, plant Chicory after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stearns County, MN for Chicory?
Stearns County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Stearns County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Stearns County's temperate climate. Stearns County averages a 156-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 6.
Your Stearns County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stearns County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.