Cichorium intybus (Chicory)
Chicory, Blue Sailors, Barbe de Capucin, Blue Dandelion, Bunk, Coffee Weed, French Endive, Succory, Witloof, Whitloof
Cichorium intybus (Chicory) is a taprooted perennial herb which produces erect, hollow, nearly leafless stems adorned with a profusion of clear sky blue flowers (sometimes pink or white), 1 in. across (2.5 cm). Blooming for months from late spring to fall, the attractive blossoms are stalkless and are distributed along the stems. They usually open in the morning and close later in the day. They rise above a rosette of oblong leaves, shallowly toothed or deeply dissected, covered with rough hairs. Resembling a dandelion, Cichorium intybus has a large, fleshy taproot which exudes a milky sap when cut. Chicory has a long history of herbal use and has been cultivated for centuries for its leaves or thick roots. While the young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, the roots are used as a coffee substitute or in seasoning soups, sauces and gravies. This plant can be weedy and is an invasive species in several states in the USA.
- Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm).
- Performs best in full sun in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil. Some drought tolerance once established.
- Good choice for cottage gardens or naturalized areas.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for snails, slugs and cutworms.
- Propagate by seed, in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring.
- Native to Europe, western Asia, northern Africa.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
- Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
Buy Cichorium intybus (Chicory)
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
123rf
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |