When to Plant Chicory in Iberville Parish, LA
Iberville Parish, Louisiana gardeners: here's your May plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Iberville Parish, Louisiana this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Pick chicory
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Iberville Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 294 days.
At an elevation of 464 feet, Iberville Parish receives approximately 59 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Chicory may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chicory will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chicory root diseases.
Iberville Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Iberville Parish
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.2) overlaps with Chicory's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Iberville Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chicory will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chicory.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Chicory.
How to Plant Chicory
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chicory
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 10.
Plant 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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Iberville Parish). 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 — Iberville Parish, LA
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 17 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Direct Sow | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 14 |
| Harvest | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 30 |
| Fall Sowing | October 10 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
294 days in Iberville Parish
Growing Tips for Chicory in Iberville Parish
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after February 14 in Iberville Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Iberville Parish dries quickly — mulch Chicory with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Iberville Parish, provide afternoon shade for Chicory and water deeply in the morning.
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 Iberville Parish, LA?
Iberville Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Iberville Parish, LA?
Iberville Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 5.
Your Iberville Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Iberville Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.