When to Plant Chicory in Sullivan 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.
Sullivan County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 3,986 feet, Sullivan County receives approximately 46.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season.
Sullivan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chicory Planting Timeline — Sullivan County, TN
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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
179 days in Sullivan County
Growing Tips for Sullivan 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 Sullivan County, TN?
Sullivan County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sullivan County, TN?
Sullivan County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Sullivan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sullivan 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.