When to Plant Chicory in Panola 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.
Panola County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.
At an elevation of 216 feet, Panola County receives approximately 68.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Chicory may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chicory will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chicory root diseases.
Panola County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.4
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 10.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 11.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Panola County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chicory Planting Timeline — Panola County, TX
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Direct Sow | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 20 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 26 |
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
246 days in Panola County
Growing Tips for Panola 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 Panola County, TX?
Panola County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Panola County, TX?
Panola County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 14.
Your Panola County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Panola 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.