When to Plant Chicory in Nelson 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.
Nelson County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 2,068 feet, Nelson County receives approximately 46.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Nelson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7
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 — Nelson County, KY
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 20 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| 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
208 days
Growing Tips for Nelson 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 Nelson County, KY?
Nelson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nelson County, KY?
Nelson County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Nelson County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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