When to Plant Chicory in Sunflower County, MS
Sunflower County, Mississippi gardeners: here's your May plan
Welcome to May in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Basket week: chicory
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Looking ahead to 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.
Sunflower County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 252 days.
At an elevation of 376 feet, Sunflower County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Chicory may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Chicory, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Sunflower County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 Sunflower County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) is within Chicory's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Sunflower County is excellent for Chicory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 06.
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 | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sunflower 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 — Sunflower County, MS
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Direct Sow | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 15 |
| Harvest | May 10 | May 10 – Jun 21 |
| Fall Sowing | September 6 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
252 days in Sunflower County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Sunflower County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after March 08 in Sunflower County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Sunflower County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Chicory. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Sunflower County, 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 Sunflower County, MS?
Sunflower County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sunflower County, MS?
Sunflower County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Sunflower County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sunflower County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.