When to plant Chicory in Union County, MS
Plant Chicory in Union County from March 16 to April 6 in spring. Union County sits in USDA Zone 8a, with last frost around March 30 and first frost on October 29. A second sowing from August 20 to September 3 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chicory in Union County, MS
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.
Union County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.
At an elevation of 196 feet, Union County receives approximately 49.9 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.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory Planting Timeline — Union County, MS
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jul 13 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
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 | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
213 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Union 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 Union County, MS?
Union County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, MS?
Union County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 29.
When should I plant Chicory in Union County, MS?
In Union County, MS, plant Chicory after the last frost (around March 30) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Union County, MS for Chicory?
Union County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Chicory grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chicory grow in Union County's climate?
Yes — Chicory grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 213-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 30 and first frost around October 29.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Union 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.