When to Plant Chicory in Sublette County, WY
Sublette County, Wyoming gardeners: here's your May plan
Each item below is timed to Sublette County, Wyoming's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Transplants going out: chicory
- Direct-sowing: chicory
- Fall sowing: 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.
Sublette County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 22 and the first fall frost is August 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 63 days.
At an elevation of 5,005 feet, Sublette County receives approximately 22.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall.
Sublette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Sublette County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Chicory prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sublette County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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.
Plant 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Aug in Sublette 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 — Sublette County, WY
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 22 | Jun 22 – Jul 6 |
| Direct Sow | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jul 6 |
| Harvest | August 24 | Aug 24 – Oct 5 |
| Fall Sowing | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
63 days in Sublette County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Sublette County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after June 22 in Sublette County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 63.0-day growing season in Sublette 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.
Sublette County receives only 23" 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 Sublette County, WY?
Sublette County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 22. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sublette County, WY?
Sublette County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 22 and first fall frost is August 24.
Your Sublette County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sublette 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.