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When to plant Chicory in Duval County, FL

Aim to plant Chicory in Duval County on or after February 3; the window stays open through February 24. Duval County's 279-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle. A second sowing from October 4 to October 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chicory in Duval County, FL

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.

Duval County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 278 days.

At an elevation of 337 feet, Duval County receives approximately 56.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Chicory may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chicory will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chicory root diseases.

Duval County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
278 days
Last Spring Frost February 24
278 growing days
First Fall Frost November 29

Duval County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chicory Planting Timeline — Duval County, FL

Chicory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 27 Jan 27 – Feb 10
Transplant Outdoors February 24 Feb 24 – Mar 10
Direct Sow February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 24
Harvest April 28 Apr 28 – Jun 9
Fall Sowing October 4 Oct 4 – Oct 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

278 days in Duval County

Growing Tips for Duval 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 Duval County, FL?

Duval County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Duval County, FL?

Duval County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is November 29.

When should I plant Chicory in Duval County, FL?

In Duval County, FL, plant Chicory after the last frost (around February 24) and before the first frost (around November 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Duval County, FL for Chicory?

Duval County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chicory grow in Duval County's climate?

Yes — Chicory grows well in Duval County's temperate climate. Duval County averages a 279-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 24 and first frost around November 29.

🌱

Your Duval County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Duval 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.

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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 Duval County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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