When to plant Chicory in Clark County, IN
Aim to plant Chicory in Clark County on or after March 27; the window stays open through April 17. Clark County's 195-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 13 to August 27 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Clark County, IN
June in the garden — Clark County, Indiana
A quick June briefing for Clark County, Indiana gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Pick chicory
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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.
Clark County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 1,265 feet, Clark County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Clark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.7
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 Clark County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.7) is within Chicory's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clark County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — 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 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 13.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clark 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 — Clark County, IN
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
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 | — |
| 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
195 days in Clark County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Clark County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after April 10 in Clark 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 Clark County, IN?
Clark County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clark County, IN?
Clark County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Chicory in Clark County, IN?
In Clark County, IN, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clark County, IN for Chicory?
Clark County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Clark County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Clark County's temperate climate. Clark County averages a 195-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 22.
Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clark 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.