Chicory Plots
Chicory is the drought insurance of food plotting - a deep-taprooted perennial forb that stays green and 20%+ protein through the August droughts that brown everything else.
When July bakes clover crispy, chicory's taproot is drinking two feet down - which is exactly why the modern standard clover plot is actually a clover-CHICORY plot. This perennial forb (a lettuce relative) delivers 20-25% protein, laughs at drought, persists 3-5 years, and keeps a plot drawing through the late-summer slump that defeats pure legume stands.
Why deer love it
High protein, mineral-rich leaves deer actively select, and green forage in the exact weeks (late summer) when the rest of the menu wilts.
When & how to plant
Best as 10-20% of a clover mix, spring or fall, shallow-seeded; it establishes readily and its rosettes fill clover gaps. Pure chicory stands work but mix-planting is the smarter norm.
Soil & pH
Flexible: pH 5.5-7.0, tolerates clay and marginal ground better than alfalfa; the taproot actually improves compacted soil over its life.
Maintenance
Mow with the clover (before bolting stems get woody in year 2+); that's essentially the list - chicory is delightfully low-drama.
When it draws best
Late July-September is its star turn - the drought window; otherwise it feeds alongside clover all season.
Common mistakes
- Leaving it out of clover mixes (the free upgrade everyone should take)
- Letting bolted stems turn woody unmowed
- Judging its draw in lush May instead of dry August, when it earns the seed bill
🌦️ Planting dates and varieties shift with your zone and rainfall - your county extension office gives free localized advice and cheap soil tests. Also note: rules on hunting over planted plots vs 'baiting' differ by state - plots are legal most places, bait often isn't; confirm your regulations. We don't give legal advice.