When to plant Chicory in Russell County, KY
For Chicory in Russell County, the safe spring window opens around April 4 and closes around April 25. Last expected frost is April 18, first fall frost October 20, giving a 185-day growing season. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Russell 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.
Russell County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 1,514 feet, Russell County receives approximately 47.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Russell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory Planting Timeline — Russell County, KY
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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
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
185 days in Russell County
Growing Tips for Russell 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 Russell County, KY?
Russell County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Russell County, KY?
Russell County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Chicory in Russell County, KY?
In Russell County, KY, plant Chicory after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Russell County, KY for Chicory?
Russell 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 Russell County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Russell County's temperate climate. Russell County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 20.
Your Russell County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Russell 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.