When to Plant Chicory in USDA Zone 7b
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 7b, the average last spring frost is around March 18 and the first fall frost is around November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.
Chicory Planting Timeline — Zone 7b
Where Is USDA Zone 7b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 7b. Click any state to see the Chicory planting schedule for that location.
Chicory Planting Calendar — Zone 7b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Direct Sow | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 30 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Harvest | May 20 | May 20 – Jul 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 7b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 7b 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
5°F to 10°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
235 days (Zone 7b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Zone 7b
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
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Chicory in Other Zones
Chicory by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chicory in Zone 7b?
In Zone 7b, plan your Chicory planting around the average last frost date of March 18. Start seeds indoors around February 11. Direct sow outdoors around March 4. Transplant seedlings around March 18.
Can Chicory grow in Zone 7b?
Yes, Chicory can grow well in Zone 7b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 10b. Zone 7b has a growing season of approximately 235 days, which is sufficient for Chicory (60-85 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Chicory in Zone 7b?
In Zone 7b, expect to harvest Chicory from May 20 – July 1. Chicory takes 60-85 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 7b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 7b is around March 18, and the first fall frost is around November 8. This gives a growing season of approximately 235 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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