When to Plant Chicory in Rutherford County, TN
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.
Rutherford County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 3,872 feet, Rutherford County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Rutherford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Rutherford County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chicory Planting Timeline — Rutherford County, TN
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 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
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 | — |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Rutherford County
Growing Tips for Rutherford 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 Rutherford County, TN?
Rutherford County is in Zone 7b 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 Rutherford County, TN?
Rutherford County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Rutherford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rutherford County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.