How to Grow Chicory

Chicory

Cichorium intybus

vegetable

Chicory is a perennial plant with deep taproots, cultivated for its slightly bitter leaves and roots. It can be grown as a leafy green vegetable (radicchio and endive are chicory varieties) or for its roasted root used as a coffee substitute. This hardy plant is nutritious and drought-tolerant once established.

Looking for a specific variety?

Radicchio Rosso Endive Sugarloaf Catalogna Puntarelle Pain de Sucre

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; tolerates partial shade

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist during growth, but reduce once established. Drought-tolerant due to deep taproot; avoid waterlogging.

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Spacing: 6-12 inches apart depending on variety and intended use inches

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Days to maturity: 60-110 days for leaf harvest; 120-150 days for root development

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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches for seeds; direct sow or start indoors

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or well-rotted manure Perlite or sand for drainage Lime if soil is acidic

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; extremely cold-hardy and adaptable

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Seeds sprout within 7-14 days; seedlings develop first true leaves with characteristic elongated shape

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; thin seedlings to proper spacing; provide bright light if starting indoors

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops rosette of deeply lobed or smooth leaves depending on variety; taproot extends downward

Water regularly; side-dress with compost; remove flower stalks if harvesting leaves only; maintain consistent moisture

Leaf Development & Blanching

3-4 weeks

Outer leaves mature and become larger; inner leaves can be blanched to reduce bitterness by covering plant

For radicchio, cover heads to encourage tight formation; blanch endive varieties with light-blocking material for tender, pale inner leaves

Root Maturation

8-10 weeks

If grown for roots, taproot thickens and accumulates sugars; leaves continue growing above ground

Continue watering; avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizer which promotes leaf over root growth; roots are ready when 1-2 inches diameter

Harvest & Storage

Ongoing through season

Leaves are tender in spring and fall; roots are harvestable after frost which increases sweetness

Harvest outer leaves continuously or entire head at once; dig roots carefully to avoid breaking taproot; store roots in cool, humid conditions

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beans Peas Corn Carrot Beet Onion Garlic Chamomile Dill

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Parsnip Tomato Brassicas (excessive competition for nutrients)

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs; strong water spray to dislodge
Use row covers on young plants; dust with diatomaceous earth; apply neem oil if severe
and
Handpick in early morning; copper barriers; beer traps; encourage ground beetles
Use row covers; practice crop rotation; apply beneficial nematodes to soil
Improve air circulation; spray with sulfur or neem oil; remove infected leaves; avoid overhead watering

Uses

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Salad greens and cooked vegetables

Culinary

Chicory leaves are eaten raw in salads (with a pleasant bitter flavor) or cooked like spinach. Radicchio varieties form tight heads prized for color and flavor in composed salads and grilled dishes. [source]

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Coffee substitute and root vegetable

Culinary

Chicory roots are roasted, ground, and brewed as a caffeine-free coffee alternative or mixed with coffee. The roasted root has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and has been traditionally used for centuries. [source]

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Digestive and liver support

Medicinal

Chicory contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports digestive health and beneficial gut bacteria. Traditionally used in herbal medicine to support liver function and bile production. [source]

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Natural food additive and dye

Household

Chicory root extract is used as a natural thickener and flavor additive in foods and beverages. The plant can produce natural dyes for textiles. [source]

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Pollinator and beneficial insect support

Wildlife

Chicory flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Flowering plants support wildlife gardens and can be left standing for late-season insect forage. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For fresh greens: harvest outer leaves continuously or cut entire head 1 inch above soil line for regrowth; young leaves are less bitter. For radicchio: harvest tight heads when they reach tennis-ball size. For roots: wait until after first frost to increase sugar content, then carefully dig to preserve the full taproot. Roots can be stored in cool cellar conditions for several months.

Fun Facts

🌱 Chicory flowers are a striking bright blue and only open in the early morning hours, earning it the nickname 'blue dandelion'
🌱 Chicory has been cultivated since ancient Egyptian times and was used by Napoleon's army as a coffee substitute during blockades
🌱 The plant has an exceptionally deep taproot that can reach 3-4 feet, allowing it to access water and nutrients far below the soil surface, making it extremely drought-tolerant

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