When to plant Chicory in Lafayette County, MO
For Chicory in Lafayette County, the safe spring window opens around March 30 and closes around April 20. Last expected frost is April 13, first fall frost October 24, giving a 194-day growing season. A second sowing from August 15 to August 29 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Lafayette County, MO
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.
Lafayette County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 732 feet, Lafayette County receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Lafayette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.7
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lafayette County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chicory Planting Timeline — Lafayette County, MO
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jul 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
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 | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Lafayette County
Growing Tips for Lafayette 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 Lafayette County, MO?
Lafayette County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lafayette County, MO?
Lafayette County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Chicory in Lafayette County, MO?
In Lafayette County, MO, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lafayette County, MO for Chicory?
Lafayette 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 Lafayette County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Lafayette County's temperate climate. Lafayette County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 24.
Your Lafayette County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lafayette 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.