Best Time To Plant Chicory In Minnesota

Minnesota’s short growing season means chicory should go in the ground as soon as the soil thaws in late spring. The best time to plant chicory in Minnesota is typically between mid-April and early May, depending on your specific zone. You want the soil temperature to be at least 45°F, but not too wet from snowmelt.

Chicory is a hardy plant that can handle some frost, so you don’t need to wait until all danger of frost has passed. In fact, a light frost can actually improve the flavor of the roots. This makes it a great crop for Minnesota’s unpredictable spring weather.

Let’s break down exactly when and how to plant chicory in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. We’ll cover soil prep, timing by region, and tips for a successful harvest.

The window for planting chicory in Minnesota is narrow but forgiving. You want to aim for when the soil is workable and not muddy. For most of the state, that’s late April to early May.

If you’re in southern Minnesota (Zones 4b-5a), you can start as early as mid-April. Northern Minnesota (Zones 3a-4a) might need to wait until early to mid-May. The key is to check your soil temperature with a simple thermometer.

Chicory seeds germinate best when soil temps are between 45°F and 55°F. If you plant too early into cold, wet soil, the seeds can rot. Too late, and the roots won’t have enough time to mature before the first fall frost.

Soil Temperature Guidelines

Don’t rely on the calendar alone. Use a soil thermometer inserted 2 inches deep. Here’s what to look for:

Minimum temperature: 45°F (7°C) for germination
Ideal range: 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C)
Maximum: 65°F (18°C) for best root development

If you don’t have a thermometer, watch for the soil to be crumbly, not sticky. When you squeeze a handful, it should fall apart easily, not form a mud ball.

Regional Timing For Minnesota

Minnesota has three main growing regions. Here’s a quick guide for each:

Southern MN (Twin Cities, Rochester, Mankato): Plant April 15 to May 1
Central MN (St. Cloud, Alexandria): Plant April 25 to May 10
Northern MN (Duluth, Bemidji, International Falls): Plant May 5 to May 20

These dates are averages. Check your local frost dates and adjust. A light frost after planting is fine, but a hard freeze (below 28°F) can damage young seedlings.

Why Timing Matters So Much

Chicory is a biennial plant, meaning it grows leaves the first year and flowers the second. But most gardeners harvest the roots in the first fall. The root needs about 120 days of cool weather to develop properly.

If you plant too late, the roots will be small and stringy. If you plant too early, the seeds might rot or get washed away by spring rains. Getting the timing right gives you thick, meaty roots perfect for roasting or making coffee substitutes.

Minnesota’s climate is ideal for chicory because it prefers cool temperatures. The plant actually bolts (goes to seed) in hot weather, so a long, cool spring is a blessing.

What Happens If You Plant Too Early

Planting in early April when the soil is still frozen or waterlogged is a common mistake. Here’s what can go wrong:

Seeds rot in cold, wet soil
Poor germination rates
Seedlings get killed by a late hard freeze
Weeds outcompete the slow-starting chicory

It’s better to wait an extra week than to rush. Chicory seeds are small and need consistent moisture to germinate, but not soggy conditions.

What Happens If You Plant Too Late

Planting after mid-June is risky for most of Minnesota. Here’s the downside:

Roots don’t reach full size before frost
Summer heat stresses the plants
Increased pest pressure from aphids and leaf miners
Lower sugar content in the roots

If you miss the spring window, you can still plant a fall crop for greens. But for root harvest, spring planting is essential.

Step-By-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps for the best results. Chicory is low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way.

Step 1: Prepare The Soil

Chicory grows best in well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. It tolerates poor soil but prefers sandy loam. Here’s how to prep:

Clear the area of weeds and rocks
Loosen the soil to 8-10 inches deep
Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure
Rake the surface smooth

Don’t add too much nitrogen fertilizer. Chicory grows fine without it, and too much nitrogen makes the roots hairy and less flavorful.

Step 2: Sow The Seeds

Chicory seeds are tiny, so handle them carefully. You can sow them directly in the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting. Direct sowing is easier for most gardeners.

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep
Space rows 12-18 inches apart
Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they have 2-3 leaves
Water gently with a fine spray

If you’re planting for greens only, you can sow seeds closer together. For root production, give them more space.

Step 3: Water And Mulch

Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds germinate, which takes 7-14 days. After that, water about 1 inch per week. Mulch with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Chicory is drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering produces better roots. In Minnesota’s dry summers, you might need to water twice a week.

Step 4: Thin And Weed

Thinning is crucial for root development. Overcrowded plants produce thin, forked roots. When seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin them to one plant every 6-8 inches.

Weed regularly, especially in the first month. Chicory seedlings are small and can’t compete with fast-growing weeds. Hand-pull or use a hoe carefully.

Varieties Best Suited For Minnesota

Not all chicory varieties perform well in Minnesota’s climate. Here are the top choices for our short growing season:

Magdeburg: Classic variety for coffee substitute, matures in 100 days
Witloof: Also called Belgian endive, good for forcing indoors
Radicchio: Italian chicory, great for salads, matures in 85 days
Catalogna: Produces both greens and roots, very cold-hardy

For root production, Magdeburg is the gold standard. It has a long, straight taproot that’s easy to harvest and process.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even experienced gardeners make mistakes with chicory. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them:

Planting in clay soil: Chicory roots need loose soil. Amend clay with sand or grow in raised beds.
Overwatering: Too much water causes root rot. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Ignoring bolting: If temperatures spike above 85°F, chicory bolts. Harvest roots before this happens.
Not harvesting before frost: A hard freeze can damage roots. Harvest in late September or early October.

If you notice flower stalks forming, cut them off immediately. This directs energy back to the root.

Harvesting Your Chicory

Chicory roots are ready to harvest 100-120 days after planting. In Minnesota, that’s usually late September to mid-October. Here’s how to tell if they’re ready:

Roots are 6-8 inches long and 1-2 inches thick
Leaves are still green but starting to yellow
The root feels firm and solid

To harvest, loosen the soil with a garden fork and gently pull the roots. Don’t yank them out by the leaves, or they’ll break. Shake off excess soil and rinse them clean.

Store roots in a cool, dark place like a root cellar or refrigerator. They’ll keep for several months. You can also dry or roast them immediately for use in coffee blends.

Growing Chicory For Greens

If you’re more interested in salad greens than roots, you have more flexibility. Chicory greens are ready to harvest 40-60 days after planting. You can plant a second crop in late summer for a fall harvest.

For greens, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks for a continuous supply. Harvest the outer leaves when they’re 4-6 inches long. The inner leaves will continue growing.

Chicory greens have a slightly bitter flavor that many people love. You can reduce bitterness by blanching the plants (covering them to exclude light) for 2-3 weeks before harvest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Plant Chicory In The Fall In Minnesota?

Yes, but only for greens, not roots. Plant in late August for a fall harvest of leaves. The roots won’t have time to mature before winter.

How Late Can I Plant Chicory In Minnesota?

For root harvest, plant no later than June 1 in southern MN and May 15 in northern MN. For greens, you can plant as late as August 15.

Does Chicory Need Full Sun?

Yes, chicory grows best in full sun (6-8 hours per day). It tolerates partial shade but will produce smaller roots.

Can I Start Chicory Indoors?

Yes, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening them off for a week.

Is Chicory Invasive In Minnesota?

Chicory can self-seed and spread, but it’s not considered invasive in Minnesota. It’s a common wildflower along roadsides. Deadhead flowers to prevent unwanted spreading.

Final Tips For Success

Planting chicory in Minnesota is straightforward if you follow the timing guidelines. Remember these key points:

Wait until soil is at least 45°F
Plant in well-drained soil with compost
Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart
Water consistently but don’t overdo it
Harvest roots before the first hard frost

Chicory is a rewarding crop that’s easy to grow and versatile in the kitchen. Whether you’re roasting roots for coffee or adding bitter greens to salads, you’ll appreciate having it in your garden.

With Minnesota’s cool springs and mild summers, chicory thrives here. Just get the timing right, and you’ll have a bountiful harvest by fall. Happy planting.