When to plant Chicory in DeKalb County, IL
Plant Chicory in DeKalb County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 8. Continue planting through April 29 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in DeKalb 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.
DeKalb County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 1,332 feet, DeKalb County receives approximately 34.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
DeKalb County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory Planting Timeline — DeKalb County, IL
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 5 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in DeKalb County
Growing Tips for DeKalb 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chicory in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chicory in DeKalb County, IL?
DeKalb County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is DeKalb County, IL?
DeKalb County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Chicory in DeKalb County, IL?
In DeKalb County, IL, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is DeKalb County, IL for Chicory?
DeKalb County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in DeKalb County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in DeKalb County's temperate climate. DeKalb County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 16.
Your DeKalb County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for DeKalb County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.