It is often considered a weed in lawns and pastures, but it is also a valued culinary herb.

How do I harvest the roots?

Dig up the taproot in late autumn when the plant is dormant.

Plant guide

Chicory.

Cichorium intybus

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 bright blue flowers and edible roots. It is often grown for its leaves in salads or its roots which are roasted as a coffee substitute. This plant is quite resilient and thrives in many different environments.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial herb
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: direct
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 100 to 150 cm
Growth rate: fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 9
Bloom time: Mid summer to early autumn

Care

Chicory is very low maintenance and prefers well drained soil in a sunny spot. Keep an eye out for aphids or rust on the leaves during humid spells. It is drought tolerant once established.

Watering: Water regularly until established, then allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Feeding: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
Pruning: Cut back spent flower stalks to encourage new leaf growth or prevent self seeding.
Repotting: Repot if the taproot becomes crowded in its container.
Soil: Well drained, loamy, or sandy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -20 to 35°C
Humidity: 20 to 60%
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: Chicory is generally considered safe, though excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.
Children: The stems contain a bitter, milky sap that may cause mild skin irritation if handled by children.
Contact allergens: The milky sap can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen from chicory can trigger seasonal allergies in some people.
Edibility: While chicory is commonly eaten, ensure you are not harvesting from areas treated with herbicides or polluted runoff.

How to identify it

Bright blue daisy like flowers
Stiff, grooved, branching stems
Deeply lobed basal leaves
Taproot similar to a parsnip

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

Common problems

Powdery mildew — A fungal infection that appears as white, dusty spots on the leaves.
Aphids — Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck plant sap.

Growing it

Propagation: seed, division
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 near other leafy greens to provide a sturdy, deep rooted companion that helps break up compacted soil.

Grows well with

Carrot — They share similar soil needs and grow well together in garden beds.
Lettuce — Both are cool season greens that benefit from similar moisture levels.

Keep away from

Fennel — Fennel can inhibit the growth of many other garden vegetables.

Similar species

Endive — It is a close relative often grown specifically for its edible leaves.

Science

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

It thrives in disturbed soils and roadsides, using its deep taproot to access water during dry spells.

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

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 lawns and pastures, but it is also a valued culinary herb.
How do I harvest the roots?: Dig up the taproot in late autumn when the plant is dormant.

Where the name comes from

The name Cichorium comes from the Greek word kichore, while intybus refers to its use as a salad green.

Good to know

The flowers typically open in the morning and close by afternoon.
Chicory is a member of the dandelion family.
It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

Is your chicory looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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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.