When to Plant Chicory in Floyd County, KY
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.
Floyd County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 2,218 feet, Floyd County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chicory root diseases.
Floyd County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7.1
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.
Plant Water Budget
Chicory Planting Timeline — Floyd County, KY
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–85 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
183 days
Growing Tips for Floyd County
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 Floyd County, KY?
Floyd County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Floyd County, KY?
Floyd County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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