Chicory
cichorium intybus
Also known as: ["Blue Daisy","Blue Sailors","Cicoria","Cichorée","Coffee Weed","Cornflower","Herkules","Kikuyu","Laiteron","Pretzel Weed","Succory"]
Overview
A hardy perennial herbaceous plant known for its bright blue flowers and edible leaves and roots, often used in culinary and medicinal applications.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","edible fruits","medicinal use","culinary herb"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Cichorium |
| Botanical Name: | Cichorium intybus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: open garden beds or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid heavy, water-retentive soils that can cause root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; remove spent flower heads to encourage continuous blooming.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; no heavy pruning required unless controlling size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is ideal; rotate pots for even growth; avoid deep shade for best flowering.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5); tolerates a range of soil pH levels.
Ensure good drainage; amend with compost for fertility; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–9; tolerates cold temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C); prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C) for optimal growth.
Protect from extreme heat; mulch to insulate in winter; ensure good air circulation in hot climates.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers; apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps; seeds can also be sown directly in the garden.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch stem cuttings just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Keep humid and warm until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing; division is best done in early spring before new growth begins.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid environment with bright indirect light; protect from direct sun until roots are established.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also be propagated directly in garden soil.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can speed up root development.
Timeline
Stem cuttings root in 2–4 weeks; division establishes quickly within a few weeks; seeds germinate in 7–14 days.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix, plastic wrap or propagator for humidity.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools to prevent disease; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible to encourage rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead or yellowing leaves at the base; deadhead spent flowers by cutting just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Pruning shears or sharp scissors; disinfect tools between cuts to prevent disease spread.
Checklist
Remove dead or diseased foliage; deadhead spent flowers; sanitize tools after use; avoid pruning in extreme weather.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or extreme weather.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its container; trim any dead or crowded roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Generally not required unless grown in containers; repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil and provide more space.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; mix in perlite or sand to enhance drainage; avoid over-amending with heavy organic matter which can retain too much moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in extreme heat; stunted growth or delayed flowering in overly cold conditions; leaf drop if temperatures fluctuate drastically.
Cold Stress
Cichorium intybus is highly cold-tolerant and can survive freezing temperatures; however, prolonged exposure to extreme cold without snow cover may damage roots.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots in winter; avoid overwatering in cold weather to prevent frozen soil; provide wind protection in exposed areas.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause the plant to bolt (flower prematurely) or wilt, especially if combined with drought stress.
Solution: Provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day; water deeply and regularly to keep soil cool; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute to half strength; fertilize during growing season only; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicChicory is not considered toxic to cats. It can be included in their diet in moderation as a source of fiber.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicChicory is not considered toxic to dogs. It can be included in their diet in moderation as a source of fiber.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicCichorium intybus, commonly known as chicory, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has been used historically as a food source and in traditional medicine.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is chicory safe for pets?
A: Yes, chicory is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Can chicory be used in cooking?
A: Yes, chicory leaves are edible and can be used in salads, while the roots can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
Q: Does chicory attract wildlife?
A: Yes, chicory's bright blue flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
