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When to plant Chicory in Garrard County, KY

Plant Chicory in Garrard County from April 1 to April 22 in spring. Garrard County sits in USDA Zone 7a, with last frost around April 15 and first frost on October 24. A second sowing from August 15 to August 29 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chicory in Garrard 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.

Garrard County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.

At an elevation of 1,963 feet, Garrard County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.

Garrard County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
192 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
192 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Garrard County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.7

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 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Garrard County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Chicory Planting Timeline — Garrard County, KY

Chicory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Outdoors April 15 Apr 15 – Apr 29
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Harvest June 17 Jun 17 – Jul 29
Fall Sowing August 15 Aug 15 – Aug 29

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 7a

📆 Growing Season

192 days in Garrard County

Growing Tips for Garrard 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 Garrard County, KY?

Garrard County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Garrard County, KY?

Garrard County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Chicory in Garrard County, KY?

In Garrard County, KY, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Garrard County, KY for Chicory?

Garrard 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 Garrard County's climate?

Yes — Chicory grows well in Garrard County's temperate climate. Garrard County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 24.

🌱

Your Garrard County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Garrard 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.

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

Sources & credits

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