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When to plant Chicory in Holmes County, FL

Aim to plant Chicory in Holmes County on or after March 1; the window stays open through March 22. Holmes County's 243-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from September 4 to September 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chicory in Holmes 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.

Holmes County, Florida is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.

At an elevation of 164 feet, Holmes County receives approximately 57.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season. 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.

Holmes County, FL (Zone 8b) Long season
243 days
Last Spring Frost March 15
243 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Holmes County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chicory Planting Timeline — Holmes County, FL

Chicory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 8 Feb 8 – Feb 22
Transplant Outdoors March 15 Mar 15 – Mar 29
Direct Sow March 1 Mar 1 – Mar 22
Harvest May 17 May 17 – Jun 28
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 – Sep 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
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

243 days in Holmes County

Growing Tips for Holmes 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 Holmes County, FL?

Holmes County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Holmes County, FL?

Holmes County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Chicory in Holmes County, FL?

In Holmes County, FL, plant Chicory after the last frost (around March 15) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Holmes County, FL for Chicory?

Holmes 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 Holmes County's climate?

Yes — Chicory grows well in Holmes County's temperate climate. Holmes County averages a 243-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 15 and first frost around November 13.

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Your Holmes County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Holmes 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 Holmes County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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