When to plant Chicory in Willows, CA
Willows's climate puts the Chicory spring window between February 13 and March 6. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. A second sowing from October 3 to October 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Willows, CA
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.
Willows, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 270 feet, Glenn County receives approximately 27.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Willows Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.9
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 | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Glenn County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chicory Planting Timeline — Willows, CA
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Direct Sow | February 13 | Feb 13 – Mar 6 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jun 19 |
| Fall Sowing | October 3 | Oct 3 – Oct 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 | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Glenn County
Growing Tips for Willows
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
When should I plant Chicory in Willows, CA?
In Willows, CA, plant Chicory after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Willows, CA for Chicory?
Willows sits in USDA Zone 9b. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Willows's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Willows's temperate climate. Willows averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 28.
Your Glenn County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Glenn County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.