When to plant Chicory in Shawnee County, KS
Shawnee County's climate puts the Chicory spring window between March 31 and April 21. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 13 to August 27 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Shawnee County, KS
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.
Shawnee County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 923 feet, Shawnee County receives approximately 26.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Shawnee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Shawnee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chicory Planting Timeline — Shawnee County, KS
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jul 28 |
| 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Shawnee County
Growing Tips for Shawnee 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chicory in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chicory in Shawnee County, KS?
Shawnee County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Shawnee County, KS?
Shawnee County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Chicory in Shawnee County, KS?
In Shawnee County, KS, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Shawnee County, KS for Chicory?
Shawnee County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Shawnee County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Shawnee County's temperate climate. Shawnee County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 22.
Your Shawnee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Shawnee County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.