When to plant Chicory in Cole County, MO
Spring Chicory in Cole County goes in March 24–April 14, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 19 to September 2 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Cole County, MO
June to-do list for Cole County, Missouri
Each item below is timed to Cole County, Missouri's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
-
Collect chicory at their peak
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Cole County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 614 feet, Cole County receives approximately 39.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Cole County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.9
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 Cole County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.9) overlaps with Chicory's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cole County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chicory.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Chicory.
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 Aug 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 19.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cole 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 — Cole County, MO
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jul 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
204 days in Cole County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Cole County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after April 07 in Cole 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chicory in Cole County, MO?
Cole County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cole County, MO?
Cole County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Chicory in Cole County, MO?
In Cole County, MO, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cole County, MO for Chicory?
Cole County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Cole County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Cole County's temperate climate. Cole County averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 28.
Your Cole County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cole County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.