It is often considered a weed in pastures and roadsides, though it is intentionally cultivated for food.

How do I harvest the roots?

Dig them up in late autumn when the plant has finished flowering.

Plant guide

Chicory.

Cichorium intybus L.

Pronounced si-KOR-ee-um in-TY-bus

Also known as Belgium Endive, Blowball, Blue Sailors, Bunk Chicory, Chickory, Chicory

Chicory is a hardy perennial herb known for its vibrant blue flowers and edible roots. It grows well in many conditions and is often found along roadsides. You'll love how easy it is to grow in your own garden.

Another photo of Chicory — Photo by Benji (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial herb
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 3 to 5 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 10
Bloom time: Mid summer to early autumn

Care

Plant in well draining soil and ensure it receives plenty of sun. Watch for wilting during extreme heat and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Deadhead the flowers if you want to encourage a longer blooming season.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim back spent flower stalks to keep the plant tidy.
Repotting: Repot if the plant becomes root bound in its container.
Soil: Well draining loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -20 to 35°C
Humidity: 30 to 70%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Stunted growth despite regular care.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered safe but may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Pets: Chicory is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: There are no specific safety concerns for children, but the stems can be slightly coarse.
Contact allergens: The milky sap can cause skin irritation or rashes upon contact.
Airborne allergens: Pollen from chicory can trigger hay fever symptoms in some people during the late summer.
Edibility: While the leaves and roots are commonly eaten, consume in moderation as high intake may cause digestive discomfort.

How to identify it

Bright blue daisy like flowers
Deeply lobed dandelion like leaves
Stiff branching stems
Long fleshy taproot

Height: 0.3 to 1.5m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: blue, white, 3 to 5cm

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
BoltingCommon
RustCommon
Slugs and SnailsCommon
Aster YellowsUncommon
Powdery MildewUncommon
Root RotUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: The foliage will die back in winter, but the taproot remains hardy and will resprout in spring.
In containers: Chicory grows well in deep containers, at least 12 inches deep, to accommodate its long taproot.

Seed Sowing

Sow seeds directly in the garden in spring.
Cover lightly with soil.
Keep the area moist until germination.

Plant chicory in full sun to ensure the best flower production and root development.

Grows well with

Carrot — They share similar soil requirements.
Fennel — They grow well together in sunny herb gardens.

Similar species

Endive — It is a close culinary relative often grown for salad greens.

Science

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Cichorium
Order: Asterales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.
Conservation: This plant is widely naturalized and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in disturbed soils and roadsides where it can outcompete other species with its deep taproot.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: culinary greens, coffee substitute, ornamental, pollinator garden

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Nutrients: 5/9
Moisture: 4/9
Salinity: 3/9
Soil reaction: 7/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is chicory a weed?: It is often considered a weed in pastures and roadsides, though it is intentionally cultivated for food.
How do I harvest the roots?: Dig them up in late autumn when the plant has finished flowering.

Where the name comes from

The name Cichorium comes from the Greek word kichore, while intybus is derived from the Latin for endive.

Good to know

Chicory flowers typically open in the morning and close by the afternoon.
The plant was historically used as a folk remedy for liver health.
It is a close relative of endive and radicchio.

Also in

Drought-tolerant plants

Keep your chicory growing

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.