How to Grow Sugarloaf Chicory
Wikimedia Commons
Sugarloaf Chicory
Cichorium intybus var. foliosum
vegetableSugarloaf chicory is a leafy green vegetable known for its tender, slightly sweet leaves and compact, cabbage-like head formation. It produces a dense, upright head of pale green to whitish leaves that are milder and less bitter than traditional radicchio or Belgian endive. This cool-season crop is prized for salads and is becoming increasingly popular among home gardeners seeking chicory alternatives.
When should you plant Sugarloaf Chicory in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Sugarloaf Chicory timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Sugarloaf Chicory
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Sugarloaf Chicory
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sugarloaf Chicory dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, prefers cooler seasons
Sign up free to see if Sugarloaf Chicory grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Sugarloaf Chicory timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with two cotyledons (seed leaves) and develop their first true leaves within 7-10 days
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops 4-6 true leaves and begins establishing a sturdy root system. Leaves are green and increasingly textured
Water consistently and deeply. Apply light fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Begin thinning if seedlings are still crowded. Weed regularly to reduce competition
Head Formation
3-4 weeksLeaves begin to curve inward and overlap, creating a loose, cabbage-like head structure. Outer leaves remain green while inner leaves lighten
Maintain consistent watering and soil moisture. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage heading rather than leaf production. Remove any yellowed or damaged outer leaves
Head Development & Maturity
2-3 weeksHead becomes increasingly compact and dense with pale, tender inner leaves. Head reaches full size, typically 6-8 inches tall and 4-5 inches wide
Continue consistent watering. Avoid overhead watering if possible. Side-dress with compost if growth slows. Monitor for pests and diseases
Harvest Ready
Variable; harvest within 1-2 weeks of maturityHead is fully formed, firm to the touch, and inner leaves are pale and tender. Plant may bolt if temperatures rise significantly
Harvest promptly when heads reach desired firmness. In warm climates, provide afternoon shade to delay bolting. Cut at soil level or pull entire plant
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, or apply neem oil
-
and
Hand-pick in early morning, use beer traps, apply diatomaceous earth around plants, or introduce parasitic nematodes
-
Use floating row covers, apply spinosad spray, dust with diatomaceous earth, or plant trap crops nearby
-
Hand-pick, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), apply neem oil, or use organic insecticides
-
Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, or introduce parasitic wasps
Uses
Salads and Fresh Eating
CulinarySugarloaf chicory's tender, mild leaves are excellent in mixed green salads, adding a slight bitterness and pleasant texture. The pale inner leaves are particularly prized for their delicate flavor and can be enjoyed raw as a crunchy salad base. [source]
Cooking and Sautéing
CulinaryThe leaves can be lightly sautéed with garlic and olive oil, grilled, or added to soups and stews. Cooking mellows the slight bitterness, creating a more refined flavor suitable for side dishes. [source]
Digestive and Liver Support
MedicinalChicory contains inulin and other compounds that may support digestive health and liver function. Traditionally, chicory has been used to support bile production and improve digestion. [source]
Root as Coffee Substitute
HouseholdWhile typically grown for leaves, mature sugarloaf chicory roots can be dried and roasted to create a caffeine-free coffee substitute or additive, a tradition dating back centuries. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeIf plants bolt and flower, the blue or white flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, supporting overall ecosystem health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest sugarloaf chicory when heads are firm and compact, typically 70-100 days after planting. Cut heads at soil level with a sharp knife, or pull the entire plant including roots. Morning harvest yields the crispest leaves. In cooler climates, you can harvest outer leaves individually while allowing the head to continue growing. Heads can be stored in the refrigerator crisper drawer for 2-3 weeks wrapped in plastic. For extended storage, blanch the entire head in darkness for 3-4 weeks to make leaves even more tender and pale.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Sugarloaf chicory is also called 'Italian chicory' or 'Puntarelle' (when referring to a similar but distinct variety), and it has been cultivated in Italy for centuries where it remains a culinary staple.
- 🌱 Unlike Belgian endive (which requires blanching in darkness), sugarloaf chicory naturally forms pale inner leaves without special treatment, making it far easier for home gardeners to grow.
- 🌱 Chicory root has been used as a coffee adulterant and substitute for centuries, particularly in New Orleans where chicory coffee remains a cultural tradition. During the American Civil War, chicory became a common coffee stretcher due to coffee shortages.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Sugarloaf Chicory planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Sugarloaf Chicory seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Sugarloaf Chicory timeline →