When to Plant Chicory in Benton County, OR
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.
Benton County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 97 feet, Benton County receives approximately 53.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chicory root diseases.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.2
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 | — | 8.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 6.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 8.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 8.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Benton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chicory Planting Timeline — Benton County, OR
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jul 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 21 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Benton County
Growing Tips for Benton 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 Benton County, OR?
Benton County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, OR?
Benton County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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