When to sow chicory? Master the best sowing time

Chicory is suitable for planting in March to April in spring and September to October in autumn. In northern regions, spring sowing is preferable; in southern regions, sowing in both spring and autumn is fine. The suitable temperature for chicory seed germination is 15-17°C, the suitable temperature for seedling growth is 12-20°C, and the suitable temperature for plant growth is 10-20°C.

In northern regions, spring sowing is preferable; in southern regions, sowing in both spring and autumn is fine. However, in order to make use of idle winter fields and address the shortage of green forage in winter and spring, autumn sowing is better; in regions south of the middle tropical zone, sowing is possible in all four seasons. Since chicory seeds have no dormancy period, they can be sown for production in the same year they are harvested.

Chicory prefers cool conditions, likes moisture and water, is fond of fertilizer, is not tolerant of drought, is relatively cold-tolerant, and can be grown on hillsides, under forests, in fields, in open areas, or near water at altitudes of 170-3200 m. The suitable temperature for seed germination is 15-17°C; the suitable temperature for seedling growth is 12-20°C; the suitable temperature for plant growth is 10-20°C, with growth slowing at 5°C, and it can still remain green through short-term low temperatures of -10°C. Chicory is suitable for planting in sandy or clay soil that is loose in texture, rich in organic matter, and has good water and fertilizer retention, with a pH of 6-6.5, slightly acidic to neutral being preferable.