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When to Plant Chicory in Delaware

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.

Delaware spans USDA hardiness zones 7a, 7b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Chicory planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Chicory Planting Calendar for Delaware

โ–ธ Zone 7a ~221 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: March 25 ยท First frost: November 1 ยท 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 18 Feb 18 โ€“ Mar 4
Transplant Outdoors March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 8
Direct Sow March 11 Mar 11 โ€“ Apr 1
Harvest May 27 May 27 โ€“ Jul 8
Fall Sowing August 23 Aug 23 โ€“ Sep 6
โ–ธ Zone 7b ~235 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: March 18 ยท First frost: November 8 ยท 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 11 Feb 11 โ€“ Feb 25
Transplant Outdoors March 18 Mar 18 โ€“ Apr 1
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 โ€“ Mar 25
Harvest May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jul 1
Fall Sowing August 30 Aug 30 โ€“ Sep 13

Growing Tips for Delaware

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chicory in Delaware?

Planting dates for Chicory in Delaware depend on your USDA zone. Delaware spans zones 7a, 7b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Delaware for planting?

Delaware contains USDA hardiness zones 7a, 7b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state โ€” northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.