When to Plant Chicory in Bladen County, NC
Your May gardening checklist
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Bladen County, North Carolina.
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Pick chicory
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Bladen County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.
At an elevation of 861 feet, Bladen County receives approximately 51.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chicory root diseases.
Bladen County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.4
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 Bladen County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.4) is within Chicory's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Bladen 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 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 30.
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bladen 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 — Bladen County, NC
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jul 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 30 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
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 |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
230 days in Bladen County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Bladen County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after March 23 in Bladen County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Bladen County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Chicory. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Bladen 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chicory in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chicory in Bladen County, NC?
Bladen County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bladen County, NC?
Bladen County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 8.
Your Bladen County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bladen 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.