At Food Plot Concepts we love planting chicory plots on our properties. Based on deer preference and usage it’s safe to say they love it to!
It is a dynamic food plot planting that is extremely attractive almost the entire year. Deer are drawn to it as it is highly palatable, is easily digested, and offers high levels of protein. Once established it can last multiple seasons. Standalone chicory plots can produce up to 4 tons per acre of forage.
Thanks to a long taproot chicory is extremely tolerant to heat and drought conditions. The taproot also allows for effective nutrient uptake. Chicory also does a good job at suppressing weeds in first year plots.
Chicory is extremely flexible and will grow well on most soil types. We don’t recommend planting on sandier soil until organic matter improves. It performs best on sites that receive lots of sunlight and aren’t shaded. Soil pH should be a minimum of 6.0 when planting with the intentions of improving the soil long term closer to 7.0.
Planting rate is 5 lbs per acre.
Chicory can be established in early Spring (including frost seeding) or a late summer planting in August.