When to plant Chicory in Cumberland County, KY
For Cumberland County, gardeners: plant Chicory March 30 through April 20 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 14 to August 28 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Cumberland County, KY
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.
Cumberland County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 2,939 feet, Cumberland County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chicory root diseases.
Cumberland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory Planting Timeline — Cumberland County, KY
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jul 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
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 7a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Cumberland County
Growing Tips for Cumberland 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 Cumberland County, KY?
Cumberland County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cumberland County, KY?
Cumberland County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 23.
When should I plant Chicory in Cumberland County, KY?
In Cumberland County, KY, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cumberland County, KY for Chicory?
Cumberland 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 Cumberland County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Cumberland County's temperate climate. Cumberland County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 23.
Your Cumberland County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cumberland 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.