When to plant Chicory in Schuyler County, IL
Chicory planted in Schuyler County between April 2 and April 23 matures in 60–85 days — well before the October 20 first frost. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Schuyler County, IL
Your July game plan for Schuyler County, Illinois
A quick July briefing for Schuyler County, Illinois gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Harvest chicory as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
August prep starts now
- Fall sowing: 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.
Schuyler County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 1,174 feet, Schuyler County receives approximately 41.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Schuyler 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 Schuyler 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 Schuyler County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — 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 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Schuyler 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 — Schuyler County, IL
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
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 | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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
187 days in Schuyler County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Schuyler County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after April 16 in Schuyler 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 Schuyler County, IL?
Schuyler County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Schuyler County, IL?
Schuyler County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Chicory in Schuyler County, IL?
In Schuyler County, IL, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Schuyler County, IL for Chicory?
Schuyler 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 Schuyler County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Schuyler County's temperate climate. Schuyler County averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 20.
Your Schuyler County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Schuyler 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.