When to plant Chicory in Washington County, ME
Aim to plant Chicory in Washington County on or after April 25; the window stays open through May 16. Washington County's 151-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Washington County, ME
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.
Washington County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 1,184 feet, Washington County receives approximately 43.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chicory to ensure they mature before fall.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory Planting Timeline — Washington County, ME
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Aug 22 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, ME?
Washington County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, ME?
Washington County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Chicory in Washington County, ME?
In Washington County, ME, plant Chicory after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Washington County, ME for Chicory?
Washington County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Washington County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 7.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.