When to Plant Chicory in Swisher County, TX
This month in Swisher County, Texas
Welcome to May in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Begin indoor sowing: chicory
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: chicory
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.
Swisher County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 203 days.
At an elevation of 3,057 feet, Swisher County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°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.
Swisher County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.6-8.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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.
Soil Compatibility in Swisher County
How your county's soil matches Chicory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.6–8.7) is more alkaline than Chicory prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Swisher County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chicory will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.1%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Chicory.
How to Plant Chicory
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chicory
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 19.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 10.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Swisher County). 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 — Swisher County, TX
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jul 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
203 days in Swisher County
Growing Tips for Chicory in Swisher County
Direct sow Chicory outdoors after April 08 in Swisher County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Swisher County dries quickly — mulch Chicory with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 98°F in Swisher County, provide afternoon shade for Chicory and water deeply in the morning.
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
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 Swisher County, TX?
Swisher County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Swisher County, TX?
Swisher County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Swisher County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Swisher County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.