When to Plant Chicory in Zavala 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.
Zavala County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.
At an elevation of 4,905 feet, Zavala County receives approximately 59.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Chicory during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chicory root diseases.
Zavala County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.4
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Zavala County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chicory Planting Timeline — Zavala County, TX
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 26 |
| Harvest | April 30 | Apr 30 – Jun 11 |
| Fall Sowing | October 4 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
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 | Harvest |
| 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
276 days in Zavala County
Growing Tips for Zavala 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 Zavala County, TX?
Zavala County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Zavala County, TX?
Zavala County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 29.
Your Zavala County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Zavala 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.