When to Plant Chicory in Northampton County, VA
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.
Northampton County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 971 feet, Northampton County receives approximately 54.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°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.
Northampton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Northampton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chicory Planting Timeline — Northampton County, VA
Chicory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Direct Sow | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 26 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 2 |
| Fall Sowing | September 9 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
244 days in Northampton County
Growing Tips for Northampton 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 Northampton County, VA?
Northampton County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Chicory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Northampton County, VA?
Northampton County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 18.
Your Northampton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Northampton County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.