When to plant Chicory in Knott County County,
Plant Chicory in Knott County County from April 9 to April 30 in spring. Knott County County sits in USDA Zone 7a, with last frost around April 23 and first frost on October 18. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Knott County, KY
June to-do list for Knott County, Kentucky
Your garden in Knott County, Kentucky is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
-
Basket week: chicory
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Knott County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 2,201 feet, Knott County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Knott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
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 Knott County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.8) overlaps with Chicory's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Knott County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Chicory.
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 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 09.
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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Knott 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 — Knott County, KY
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
178 days in Knott County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Knott County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after April 23 in Knott 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 Knott County, KY?
Knott County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Knott County, KY?
Knott County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Chicory in Knott County County, ?
In Knott County County, , plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Knott County County, for Chicory?
Knott County 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 Knott County County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Knott County County's temperate climate. Knott County County averages a 178-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 18.
Your Knott County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Knott 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.