When to plant Chicory in Beaverhead County, MT
Plant Chicory in Beaverhead County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 27. Continue planting through June 17 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 4 to July 18 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Beaverhead County, MT
July to-do list for Beaverhead County, Montana
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Beaverhead County, Montana this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Sow chicory in trays indoors
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
-
Start your fall crops: chicory
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Beaverhead County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.
At an elevation of 7,645 feet, Beaverhead County receives approximately 15.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chicory successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Beaverhead County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
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 Beaverhead County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.8) is more alkaline than Chicory prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Beaverhead County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Chicory.
How to Plant Chicory
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Chicory Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Beaverhead 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 — Beaverhead County, MT
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 17 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Sep 23 |
| Fall Sowing | July 4 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
94 days in Beaverhead County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Beaverhead County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after June 10 in Beaverhead County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 94.0-day growing season in Beaverhead County is tight for Chicory (60.0-85.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Chicory in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Beaverhead County receives only 16" of rain annually. Chicory needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Beaverhead County, MT?
Beaverhead County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 10. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Beaverhead County, MT?
Beaverhead County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and first fall frost is September 12.
When should I plant Chicory in Beaverhead County, MT?
In Beaverhead County, MT, plant Chicory after the last frost (around June 10) and before the first frost (around September 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Beaverhead County, MT for Chicory?
Beaverhead County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Beaverhead County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Beaverhead County's temperate climate. Beaverhead County averages a 94-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 10 and first frost around September 12.
Your Beaverhead County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Beaverhead County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.