When to Plant Chicory in Lunenburg, NS
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.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 65 feet, Lunenburg receives approximately 42.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chicory will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Lunenburg Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory 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.
How to Plant Chicory
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Chicory 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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lunenburg). 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 — Lunenburg, NS
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 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 Lunenburg
Growing Tips for Chicory in Lunenburg
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 Lunenburg, NS?
Lunenburg is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lunenburg, NS?
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 27.
Your Lunenburg Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lunenburg (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.