When to Plant Chicory in Johnston County, OK
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.
Johnston County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 700 feet, Johnston County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Johnston County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.3
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 — Johnston County, OK
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Direct Sow | March 11 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jul 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 7b
Growing Season
231 days
Growing Tips for Johnston 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 Johnston County, OK?
Johnston County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnston County, OK?
Johnston County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Johnston County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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