When to plant Chicory in Phillips County, AR
Phillips County gardeners should plant Chicory between February 28 and March 21 in spring. With Phillips County's Zone 8a climate (last frost March 14), Chicory needs 60–85 days to mature — plant by August 19 for a full harvest. A second sowing from September 3 to September 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Phillips County, AR
Top priorities for Phillips County, Arkansas gardeners in June
June is a pivotal month for Phillips County, Arkansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Basket week: chicory
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Phillips County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.
At an elevation of 678 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Phillips County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory 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.
Soil Compatibility in Phillips County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.7) is within Chicory's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Phillips County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Chicory.
How to Plant Chicory
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chicory
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
Chicory Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Phillips County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chicory Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chicory Planting Timeline — Phillips County, AR
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Direct Sow | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 21 |
| Harvest | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 27 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
243 days in Phillips County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Phillips County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after March 14 in Phillips County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chicory in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chicory in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chicory in Phillips County, AR?
Phillips County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phillips County, AR?
Phillips County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 12.
When should I plant Chicory in Phillips County, AR?
In Phillips County, AR, plant Chicory after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Phillips County, AR for Chicory?
Phillips County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Phillips County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 243-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 12.
Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.