When to plant Chicory in Ford County, IL
Ford County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Plant Chicory between April 4 (after last frost on April 18) and April 25. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Ford County, IL
Ford County, Illinois gardeners: here's your June plan
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Start harvesting chicory
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: chicory
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.
Ford County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 855 feet, Ford County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall.
Ford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Ford County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) is within Chicory's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ford County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Chicory will thrive.
How to Plant Chicory
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chicory
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 09.
Chicory Water Budget
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ford County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chicory Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chicory Planting Timeline — Ford County, IL
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Ford County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Ford County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after April 18 in Ford County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chicory in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Ford County, IL?
Ford County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ford County, IL?
Ford County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Chicory in Ford County, IL?
In Ford County, IL, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ford County, IL for Chicory?
Ford County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Ford County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Ford County's temperate climate. Ford County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 18.
Your Ford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ford County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.