When to Plant Chicory in Itawamba County, MS
Your May gardening checklist
May is a pivotal month for Itawamba County, Mississippi gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Harvest chicory as they ripen
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Get ahead of June
- 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.
Itawamba County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 385 feet, Itawamba County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Chicory, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chicory root diseases.
Itawamba County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
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 Itawamba County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.8) overlaps with Chicory's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Itawamba County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). 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 Aug 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Itawamba 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 — Itawamba County, MS
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
221 days in Itawamba County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Itawamba County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after March 26 in Itawamba County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Itawamba County's clay soil (27% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Chicory. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Itawamba County, MS?
Itawamba County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Itawamba County, MS?
Itawamba County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Itawamba County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Itawamba County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.