Quick Growing Facts

When & Where to Grow Chicory

Chicory prefers cool conditions and performs especially well in spring and fall. Heat can increase bitterness and encourage bolting, so aim for cooler parts of the year for the best flavor.

• Spring sowing: Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked, 2–4 weeks before your last expected frost date.
• Fall sowing: In many climates, sow in late summer for fall and early winter harvests.
• Location: Choose a sunny bed for strong growth. In hot regions, light afternoon shade can help.
• Best use: Vegetable beds, salad gardens, raised beds, and areas where you want a hardy, rustic leafy crop.

Soil Preparation

For good roots and foliage, chicory needs loose soil that drains well. Compacted soil can cause forked or misshapen roots.

• Loosen soil to a depth of 10–12 in (25–30 cm) to allow deep roots to develop.
• Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to support steady growth, but avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
• Break up clods and remove stones or debris that might obstruct root development.
• Ensure soil drains freely; standing water can lead to root problems.

How to Sow Chicory Seeds Outdoors

Chicory is well suited to direct sowing. Seeds are relatively small but easy to handle.

1. Prepare the bed: Rake the soil smooth and level after loosening and amending.
2. Sowing depth: Sow seeds about 1/4 in (0.6 cm) deep.
3. Row spacing: Space rows 18–24 in (45–60 cm) apart.
4. Seed spacing: Drop seeds every 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm); you will thin later.
5. Cover & firm: Lightly cover with fine soil and gently firm to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
6. Water: Water gently but thoroughly to keep the top layer consistently moist until germination.

Seeds usually germinate in 7–14 days in cool, moist soil. Once seedlings are 2–3 in (5–7 cm) tall, thin to 8–12 in (20–30 cm) apart.

Starting Chicory Indoors (Optional)

Direct sowing is easiest, but you can start chicory indoors if you transplant carefully and don’t let plants become root-bound.

• Sow 4–6 weeks before your last expected frost date.
• Use cell trays or small pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix.
• Sow 2–3 seeds per cell, 1/4 in (0.6 cm) deep, and thin to the strongest seedling.
• Keep at 60–70°F (15–21°C) with bright light from a window or grow lights.
• Harden off gradually and transplant outdoors before seedlings become pot-bound, spacing 8–12 in (20–30 cm) apart.

Watering & Feeding

Chicory prefers steady, moderate moisture. Stress from drought or extreme heat can increase bitterness and trigger bolting.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during germination and early growth. Once established, water when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Mulch: A light mulch around plants helps keep roots cool, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds.
• Feeding: In decent garden soil, chicory needs only moderate feeding. If growth is weak, apply a light, balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea.

Plant Care & Maintenance

• Weeding: Keep the bed weed-free, especially while seedlings are small and establishing.
• Thinning: Proper spacing allows roots to develop evenly and provides better airflow around leaves.
• Bolting: Hot temperatures and long days encourage tall flower stalks. Harvest early or sow again later in the season for fresh leaves.
• Perennial habit: If left in place, chicory may return and send up tall stems with blue flowers in the second year.

Pests & Diseases

Chicory is fairly tough and not usually heavily affected by pests or diseases when grown in healthy soil.

• Leaf chewers: Slugs, snails, or caterpillars may nibble young leaves. Hand-pick or use organic controls if needed.
• Aphids: Occasionally appear on tender growth; rinse off with water or treat with organic insecticidal soap.
• Disease: Provide good spacing and avoid overhead watering late in the day to reduce fungal issues.

Harvesting Chicory Leaves & Roots

Harvesting Leaves

• Begin cutting baby leaves when they reach 3–4 in (7–10 cm) tall, about 4–6 weeks after sowing.
• Harvest individual leaves from the outer portion of the plant, or cut whole plants just above the crown for a “cut-and-come-again” harvest.
• Flavor is best in cool weather; leaves can become more bitter in summer heat.
• Use fresh in mixed salads, sautéed greens, or braised dishes.

Harvesting Roots

• For roots, harvest in late fall or after plants have had a full season of growth.
• Loosen soil with a fork and gently lift roots to avoid breaking them.
• Roots can be washed, sliced, and roasted for a coffee-like beverage or used in rustic dishes.

Saving Chicory Seed

Chicory is easy to save seed from if you allow some plants to overwinter and flower in their second year.

• Allow selected plants to bolt and produce tall flowering stems with blue, daisy-like blooms.
• Seed heads follow the flowers; let them dry and turn brown on the plant.
• Collect seed heads on a dry day, then dry further indoors in a paper bag or tray.
• Rub to release seeds, remove chaff, and store in a labeled, airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place.

How to Use Chicory in the Kitchen & Garden

• Salad greens: Mix young leaves with milder lettuces for classic bitter-sweet salad blends.
• Cooked greens: Blanch, braise, or sauté leaves to mellow bitterness and pair with garlic, lemon, or bacon.
• Roots: Roast and grind roots for a coffee-like beverage, or use them in hearty stews.
• Garden presence: If allowed to flower, chicory’s tall blue blooms add a wildflower look and support pollinators.

Tips for Success

• Plan sowings for cooler weather to get the best flavor and texture.
• Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during germination.
• Thin plants properly so each one has room to form a good root and leafy rosette.
• Try succession sowing for a continuous supply of salad-type leaves.
• Allow a few plants to overwinter and flower if you’d like to collect your own seed.

Note: Growing conditions vary by region. Adjust sowing dates, watering, and shade to suit your local climate and weather patterns.