When to Plant Chicory in Trempealeau County, WI
This month in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Plant out chicory
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
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Seed chicory outdoors
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: 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.
Trempealeau County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 138 days.
At an elevation of 1,222 feet, Trempealeau County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall.
Trempealeau County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Trempealeau County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.2) overlaps with Chicory's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Trempealeau County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Chicory will thrive.
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 Jul 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 08.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Trempealeau 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 — Trempealeau County, WI
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 |
| Fall Sowing | July 8 | Jul 8 – Jul 22 |
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 | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
138 days in Trempealeau County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Trempealeau County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after May 15 in Trempealeau 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.
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 Trempealeau County, WI?
Trempealeau County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Trempealeau County, WI?
Trempealeau County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 30.
Your Trempealeau County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Trempealeau 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.