When to Plant Chicory in Gregory County, SD
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.
Gregory County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.
At an elevation of 668 feet, Gregory County receives approximately 34.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall.
Gregory County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory Planting Timeline — Gregory County, SD
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Aug 23 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
149 days in Gregory County
Growing Tips for Gregory 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 Gregory County, SD?
Gregory County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gregory County, SD?
Gregory County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 6.
Your Gregory County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gregory 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.