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When to plant Chicory in Bullock County, AL

In Zone 8b (Bullock County), direct-sow Chicory between February 22 and March 15 for spring, after the March 8 last-frost mark. A second sowing from September 6 to September 20 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chicory in Bullock County, AL

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.

Bullock County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 252 days.

At an elevation of 179 feet, Bullock County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Chicory, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Bullock County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
252 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
252 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Bullock County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chicory

Chicory needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Chicory Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bullock County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Chicory Planting Timeline — Bullock County, AL

Chicory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 15
Transplant Outdoors March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 22
Direct Sow February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 15
Harvest May 10 May 10 – Jun 21
Fall Sowing September 6 Sep 6 – Sep 20

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
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

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

252 days in Bullock County

Growing Tips for Bullock 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chicory in Bullock County, AL?

Bullock County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bullock County, AL?

Bullock County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 15.

When should I plant Chicory in Bullock County, AL?

In Bullock County, AL, plant Chicory after the last frost (around March 8) and before the first frost (around November 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bullock County, AL for Chicory?

Bullock County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chicory grow in Bullock County's climate?

Yes — Chicory grows well in Bullock County's temperate climate. Bullock County averages a 252-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 8 and first frost around November 15.

🌱

Your Bullock County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bullock County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Bullock County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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