When to plant Chicory in Dutton, MT
The best window to plant Chicory in Dutton, is May 18–June 8, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 25; first frost September 16. A second sowing from June 24 to July 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Dutton, MT
Top priorities for Teton County, Montana gardeners in July
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Teton County, Montana this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Begin indoor sowing: chicory
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
-
Basket week: chicory
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Get ahead of August
- 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.
Dutton, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 25 and the first fall frost is September 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 114 days.
At an elevation of 8,276 feet, Teton County receives approximately 15.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°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.
Dutton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.6
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 Dutton
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.6) is more alkaline than Chicory prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Teton 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 (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Chicory.
How to Plant Chicory
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chicory
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 24.
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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Teton 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 — Dutton, MT
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
| Direct Sow | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 8 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 7 |
| Fall Sowing | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
114 days in Teton County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Dutton
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after May 25 in Teton 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.
Teton County receives only 15" 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
When should I plant Chicory in Dutton, MT?
In Dutton, MT, plant Chicory after the last frost (around May 25) and before the first frost (around September 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dutton, MT for Chicory?
Dutton sits in USDA Zone 4b. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Dutton's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Dutton's temperate climate. Dutton averages a 114-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 25 and first frost around September 16.
Your Teton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Teton 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.