When to Plant Chicory in Caldwell County, TX
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.
Caldwell County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 3,482 feet, Caldwell County receives approximately 60.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season. 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.
Caldwell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.8-8.1
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Caldwell County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chicory Planting Timeline — Caldwell County, TX
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Direct Sow | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 27 |
| Harvest | May 1 | May 1 – Jun 12 |
| Fall Sowing | October 6 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Caldwell County
Growing Tips for Caldwell 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 Caldwell County, TX?
Caldwell County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 27. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Caldwell County, TX?
Caldwell County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and first fall frost is December 1.
Your Caldwell County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Caldwell County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.