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When to plant Chicory in Putnam County, MO

The best window to plant Chicory in Putnam County, is April 4–April 25, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 18; first frost October 16. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chicory in Putnam 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.

Putnam County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.

At an elevation of 1,185 feet, Putnam County receives approximately 40.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall.

Putnam County, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
181 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
181 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Putnam County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chicory Planting Timeline — Putnam County, MO

Chicory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 – Aug 1
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 – Aug 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing 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 5b

📆 Growing Season

181 days in Putnam County

Growing Tips for Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO?

Putnam County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Putnam County, MO?

Putnam County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Chicory in Putnam County, MO?

In Putnam County, MO, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Putnam County, MO for Chicory?

Putnam County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chicory grow in Putnam County's climate?

Yes — Chicory grows well in Putnam County's temperate climate. Putnam County averages a 181-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Putnam County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Putnam County (Zone 5b). 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 Putnam County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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