Blog

When to plant Chicory in Fountain County, IN

In Zone 6a (Fountain County), direct-sow Chicory between April 2 and April 23 for spring, after the April 16 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chicory in Fountain County, IN

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.

Fountain County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.

At an elevation of 1,088 feet, Fountain County receives approximately 30.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.

Fountain County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
184 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
184 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Fountain County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chicory Planting Timeline — Fountain County, IN

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 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–85 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

184 days in Fountain County

Growing Tips for Fountain 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chicory in Fountain County, IN?

Fountain 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 Fountain County, IN?

Fountain County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Chicory in Fountain County, IN?

In Fountain County, IN, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Fountain County, IN for Chicory?

Fountain 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 Fountain County's climate?

Yes — Chicory grows well in Fountain County's temperate climate. Fountain County averages a 184-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Fountain County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Fountain 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Fountain County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.