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When to plant Chicory in Crawford County, IL

Plant Chicory in Crawford County after April 14; the prime window is March 31–April 21. A second sowing from August 14 to August 28 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chicory in Crawford County, IL

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.

Crawford County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.

At an elevation of 555 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.

Crawford County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
192 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
192 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Crawford County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chicory Planting Timeline — Crawford County, IL

Chicory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Direct Sow March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 21
Harvest June 16 Jun 16 – Jul 28
Fall Sowing August 14 Aug 14 – Aug 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

192 days in Crawford County

Growing Tips for Crawford 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 Crawford County, IL?

Crawford County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Crawford County, IL?

Crawford County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 23.

When should I plant Chicory in Crawford County, IL?

In Crawford County, IL, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Crawford County, IL for Chicory?

Crawford County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chicory grow in Crawford County's climate?

Yes — Chicory grows well in Crawford County's temperate climate. Crawford County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 23.

🌱

Your Crawford County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Crawford County (Zone 6b). 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 Crawford County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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