When to Plant Chicory in USDA Zone 3a
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.
In Zone 3a, the average last spring frost is around May 15 and the first fall frost is around September 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.
Chicory Planting Timeline — Zone 3a
Where Is USDA Zone 3a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 3a. Click any state to see the Chicory planting schedule for that location.
Chicory Planting Calendar — Zone 3a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 |
| Fall Sowing | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 3a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 3a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–85 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
-40°F to -35°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
123 days (Zone 3a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Chicory in Zone 3a
Sow every 6.9 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Chicory in Zone 3a
Zone 3a has a short growing season (~123 days). Start Chicory indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
Saving Chicory Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
Related Plants
Chicory in Other Zones
Chicory by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chicory in Zone 3a?
In Zone 3a, plan your Chicory planting around the average last frost date of May 15. Start seeds indoors around April 3. Direct sow outdoors around May 8. Transplant seedlings around May 15.
Can Chicory grow in Zone 3a?
Yes, Chicory can grow well in Zone 3a, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 10b. Zone 3a has a growing season of approximately 123 days, which is sufficient for Chicory (60-85 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Chicory in Zone 3a?
In Zone 3a, expect to harvest Chicory from July 17 – August 28. Chicory takes 60-85 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 3a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 3a is around May 15, and the first fall frost is around September 15. This gives a growing season of approximately 123 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Chicory?
Good companion plants for Chicory include Carrots, Lettuce, Onion. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
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