When to plant Chicory in Equality, IL
Spring Chicory in Equality goes in March 23–April 13, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 21 to September 4 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Equality, IL
June to-do list for Gallatin County, Illinois
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Gallatin County, Illinois this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Bring in the chicory
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Get ahead of July
- 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.
Equality, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 1,391 feet, Gallatin County receives approximately 37 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Equality Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.8
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 Equality
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.8) is within Chicory's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Gallatin County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — 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 Aug 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 21.
Chicory Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Gallatin 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 — Equality, IL
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 21 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Gallatin County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Equality
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after April 06 in Gallatin 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
When should I plant Chicory in Equality, IL?
In Equality, IL, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Equality, IL for Chicory?
Equality sits in USDA Zone 7a. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Equality's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Equality's temperate climate. Equality averages a 207-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 30.
Your Gallatin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gallatin County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.