When To Plant Chicory For Deer

Chicory for deer needs to be planted in late summer or early fall for a robust spring growth spurt. Understanding when to plant chicory for deer is the key to a thriving food plot that attracts whitetails season after season. This guide covers everything you need to know, from soil prep to planting depth, so you can get it right the first time.

Planting chicory at the right time ensures strong root development and lush forage. The ideal window is late summer to early fall, roughly 4-6 weeks before your first hard frost. This gives the plant enough time to establish before winter dormancy.

In northern zones (USDA 3-5), aim for mid-August to early September. In transitional zones (6-7), target late August through September. For southern zones (8-9), you can plant from September through October. Spring planting works too, but fall planting gives you a head start on growth.

Why fall? Chicory is a cool-season perennial. It puts down deep roots in cool, moist soil. Come spring, it explodes with tender leaves that deer crave. Spring-planted chicory often struggles with heat and weeds.

Benefits Of Fall Planting Chicory

Stronger root system before winter
Earlier spring green-up than spring-planted plots
Less competition from summer weeds
Higher protein content in early growth
Better drought tolerance in following years

Soil Preparation For Chicory Plots

Chicory grows best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Start with a soil test. You can get one from your local extension office for about $10. Adjust pH with lime if needed, ideally 3-6 months before planting.

Remove existing vegetation. Mow low, then spray with glyphosate if weeds are thick. Wait 7-10 days. Disk or till the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches. Rake smooth to create a firm seedbed.

Chicory seeds are tiny. A fine, firm seedbed helps with germination. Avoid deep tilling that brings up more weed seeds. Light disking works best.

Fertilizer Needs For Chicory

Apply 200-300 pounds of 10-10-10 or similar balanced fertilizer per acre at planting. Chicory responds well to nitrogen. Side-dress with 50 pounds of urea per acre in early spring for a growth boost.

Nitrogen: Promotes leafy growth
Phosphorus: Supports root development
Potassium: Improves winter hardiness

Planting Chicory Step By Step

Here is the correct method for planting chicory for deer food plots.

Broadcast seed at 4-6 pounds per acre for pure stands. For mixes, use 2-3 pounds per acre.
Mix seed with sand or pelletized lime for even spreading. Use a hand spreader or broadcast seeder.
Cover seed lightly. Drag a chain harrow or cultipacker over the plot. Seed needs soil contact but no more than 1/4 inch deep.
Cultipack again to firm soil. This ensures moisture retention.
Water if no rain is forecast within 3-4 days. Keep soil moist for 7-10 days until germination.

Chicory germinates in 7-14 days with adequate moisture. You will see small, lobed leaves at first. Growth slows in winter but resumes quickly in early spring.

Chicory In Food Plot Mixes

Chicory blends well with clovers, alfalfa, and brassicas. A common mix is 50% chicory, 30% white clover, 20% red clover. This provides diverse forage from spring through fall.

For a simple plot, try 4 pounds chicory plus 6 pounds crimson clover per acre. The clover fixes nitrogen for the chicory. Deer hit both hard.

Regional Planting Times For Chicory

Your exact planting date depends on your location. Use these guidelines based on USDA hardiness zones.

Northern Zones (3-5)

Plant mid-August to early September. Soil temps should be 60-70°F. First frost usually hits by late September or October. Chicory needs 6-8 weeks of growth before frost.

Transitional Zones (6-7)

Plant late August through September. Soil temps remain warm into early fall. Aim for 4-6 weeks before first frost, typically in October or November.

Southern Zones (8-9)

Plant September through October. Winters are mild, so chicory grows through much of the cold season. You can even plant in early November in deep south areas.

If you miss the fall window, spring planting is possible. Plant as soon as soil temps reach 50°F, usually March-April in most regions. Expect slower establishment and more weed pressure.

Chicory Growth Cycle And Deer Use

Chicory is a perennial that lives 3-5 years. It produces a deep taproot that reaches 2-3 feet. This makes it drought-tolerant and persistent.

In spring, chicory greens up early, often before clovers. Deer prefer the tender leaves over mature grass. Protein levels can hit 20-30% in young growth.

Summer heat causes chicory to bolt and flower. The leaves become tougher and less palatable. Deer still eat it, but they prefer other forages. Mowing in mid-summer encourages fresh regrowth.

Fall brings a second growth spurt. Chicory stays green until hard frost. Deer use it heavily during the pre-rut and rut periods.

Mowing Chicory For Regrowth

Mow chicory to 4-6 inches in mid-summer after flowering. This removes seed stalks and stimulates new leaves. Do not mow too low or you risk damaging the crown.

Mowing also controls weeds. Chicory competes well but benefits from a mid-season trim. You can mow again in early fall if growth is rank.

Common Mistakes When Planting Chicory

Many hunters make errors that reduce plot success. Avoid these pitfalls.

Planting too deep: Chicory seed needs light to germinate. Burying it more than 1/4 inch kills germination.
Planting in hot soil: Summer soil temps above 80°F cause poor germination. Wait for cooler weather.
Skipping soil test: Chicory is pH-sensitive. Acidic soil below 6.0 stunts growth.
Over-seeding: Too much seed creates competition. Stick to recommended rates.
Neglecting weed control: Weeds outcompete young chicory. Use herbicides or tillage before planting.

Chicory Varieties For Deer

Not all chicory is equal. Choose varieties bred for forage quality, not just roadside chicory.

Top Chicory Varieties

Puna II: High yield, cold-hardy, persistent
Forage Feast: Deep taproot, drought-tolerant
Chicory Plus: Improved palatability, high protein
Oasis: Low bolting tendency, good for southern zones

These varieties are available at most seed dealers. Avoid wild chicory, which has lower leaf-to-stem ratio and less palatability.

Maintaining Chicory Plots Long Term

Chicory plots last 3-5 years with proper care. Here is how to keep them productive.

Fertilize annually in early spring with 200 pounds of 10-10-10 per acre.
Mow once or twice per year to control weeds and stimulate growth.
Overseed thin areas in fall with chicory seed at 2-3 pounds per acre.
Control broadleaf weeds with selective herbicides if needed. Use 2,4-D or dicamba carefully, as chicory is sensitive.
Rotate plots every 4-5 years to prevent disease buildup.

Chicory can become weedy if left unmanaged. Regular mowing keeps it in check. It also prevents the plot from becoming stemmy and less attractive to deer.

Chicory And Deer Nutrition

Chicory is a nutritional powerhouse for deer. It provides high protein, minerals, and digestible energy.

Protein levels range from 15-25% depending on growth stage. Young leaves have the highest protein. Mature flowering plants drop to 10-12%.

Chicory also contains minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These support antler growth and fawn development. The deep taproot mines nutrients from subsoil that other plants cannot reach.

Deer digest chicory efficiently. It has high digestibility, meaning more nutrients are absorbed. This is especially important during antler growth and lactation.

Companion Plants For Chicory

Chicory grows well with other cool-season forages. Here are good companions.

White clover: Fixes nitrogen, extends grazing season
Red clover: Adds biomass, deer love it
Alfalfa: High protein, deep roots complement chicory
Winter wheat: Provides early cover, deer eat grain heads
Brassicas: Turnips, radishes add variety in fall

Avoid mixing chicory with aggressive grasses like fescue or bermudagrass. They outcompete chicory for water and nutrients.

Deer Attraction To Chicory

Deer are drawn to chicory for several reasons. It is one of the first greens in spring. It stays palatable longer than many other forages. The bitter taste of wild chicory is reduced in forage varieties.

Deer will hit chicory plots year-round, but peak use is spring and fall. During summer, they may shift to soybeans or other crops. Mowing in summer brings them back.

Chicory is especially attractive to does with fawns. The high protein supports milk production. Bucks use it heavily during antler growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Plant Chicory In The Spring?

Yes, but fall planting is better. Spring-planted chicory faces heat stress and weed competition. If you plant in spring, do it as soon as soil temps reach 50°F.

How Deep Should I Plant Chicory Seed?

No deeper than 1/4 inch. Chicory seed needs light to germinate. Broadcasting and cultipacking works best.

Will Chicory Come Back Every Year?

Yes, chicory is a perennial that returns for 3-5 years. It may reseed itself if allowed to flower.

How Much Chicory Seed Do I Need Per Acre?

For pure stands, 4-6 pounds per acre. For mixes, 2-3 pounds per acre.

What Is The Best PH For Chicory?

6.0 to 7.0. Chicory is sensitive to acidic soil. Lime if pH is below 6.0.

Final Tips For Chicory Success

Planting chicory at the right time is half the battle. The other half is soil prep and maintenance. Test your soil, choose a good variety, and plant 4-6 weeks before first frost.

Do not overthink it. Chicory is forgiving and easy to establish. Even a small 1/4 acre plot can attract deer consistently. Start with a simple mix of chicory and clover. You will see results quickly.

Monitor your plot through the year. Mow as needed, fertilize in spring, and overseed thin areas. With minimal effort, your chicory plot will provide years of quality forage for deer.

Remember, the key is timing. Get the planting date right, and your chicory plot will thrive. Deer will reward you with frequent visits and better herd health.