When to Plant Chicory in Mercer County, NJ
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.
Mercer County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 4 feet, Mercer County receives approximately 45.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Mercer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory Planting Timeline — Mercer County, NJ
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jul 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Mercer County
Growing Tips for Mercer 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 Mercer County, NJ?
Mercer County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mercer County, NJ?
Mercer County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Mercer County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mercer County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.