When to Plant Chicory in Sedgwick County, KS
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.
Sedgwick County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 546 feet, Sedgwick County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Sedgwick County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.5
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 Sedgwick County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.5) overlaps with Chicory's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sedgwick County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Chicory.
How to Plant Chicory
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chicory
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 01 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 16.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Chicory Planting Timeline — Sedgwick County, KS
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jul 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Sedgwick County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Sedgwick County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after April 12 in Sedgwick 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
Level Up Your Garden
Chicory in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chicory in Sedgwick County, KS?
Sedgwick County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sedgwick County, KS?
Sedgwick County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Sedgwick County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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