Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a versatile leafy green and root vegetable known for its slightly bitter flavor and adaptability. It can be grown for its leaves (for salads and cooking) or its roots (for roasting and making coffee substitutes). Chicory is a hardy, cool-season crop that thrives in a variety of conditions and is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine.

How to Grow Chicory

Sowing and Germination

• Direct Sowing:

  • Sow seeds 2–4 weeks before the last frost in early spring or in late summer for a fall crop.
  • Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 8–12 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart.
  • Thin seedlings to 10–12 inches apart for full heads or leave closer together for baby greens.

• Starting Indoors:

  • Start seeds 4–6 weeks before the last frost and transplant when seedlings have 2–3 true leaves.
  • Transplant seedlings 10–12 inches apart in well-prepared soil.

• Soil Requirements:

  • Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
  • Enrich soil with compost before planting for optimal growth.

• Sunlight:

  • Requires full sun (at least 6 hours per day), though it can tolerate some partial shade.

Growing Chicory

Watering:

• Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• Water 1 inch per week, adjusting during dry periods.
• Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Mulching:

• Apply a light layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing:

• Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting.
• Apply compost or side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer mid-season to support leafy growth.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Common Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, and flea beetles—use neem oil, row covers, or diatomaceous earth for control.
• Diseases: Prevent powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding excess moisture.
• Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases.

Fast Facts

• Latin Name: Cichorium intybus
• Type: Cool-Season Biennial (grown as an annual)
• USDA Zones: 3–10
• Days to Germination: 7–14 days
• Days to Maturity: 85–100 days (roots), 45–75 days (leaves)
• Height: 12–18 inches
• Spacing: 8–12 inches apart
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.5
• Color: Green to Reddish Leaves, White or Cream Roots

How and When to Harvest Chicory

• For Leaves: Harvest outer leaves when they reach 6–8 inches long (around 45–75 days). Pick frequently for a continuous supply.
• For Full Heads: Harvest whole heads at maturity (85–100 days) by cutting at the base.
• For Roots: Dig up roots in fall after 100+ days for roasting or storage.

Chicory Seed Saving

• Chicory is a biennial, producing seeds in its second year.
• Allow plants to bolt and flower in warm weather.
• Once seed heads dry, collect and store seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 5 years.

Chicory is a hardy, nutritious, and versatile plant that can be grown for leafy greens, blanched heads, or coffee-like roots. With its ability to thrive in different conditions, it's an excellent choice for home gardens and culinary experimentation! 🌱🥗