Chicory — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Cichorium intybus |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–14 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 12.8–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–85 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 61–152.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Sow seeds 1/4 in deep in deep, well-drained soil; chicory develops a long taproot that makes it drought-tolerant once established but resists transplanting. Young leaves provide a pleasantly bitter addition to salads and are most palatable before the plant flowers; blanching the developing crown under an upturned pot for 2–3 weeks produces creamy, milder forced leaves in late winter. The thick taproot is roasted and ground as a coffee substitute or additive, harvested in the plant's second autumn. Bright blue flowers open and close with the sun daily, attracting bees through summer.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0