Chicory

TO ORDER & SEE PRICING SCROLL DOWN

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a hardy perennial herb known for its brilliant sky-blue flowers and deep, extensive root system. It is valued for its versatility and can be used as a forage crop, pollinator planting, herb, or low-maintenance landscape plant. Plants generally grow 12–48 inches tall and produce attractive blue flowers on upright stems.

Chicory performs well in full sun and a variety of soils, provided they are well drained. It is highly drought tolerant once established due to its deep taproot, making it well suited to dry sites, xeriscaping, pastures, forage plantings, pollinator gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes.

Chicory is an introduced species in North America and is native to the Mediterranean region. It has naturalized across much of the United States and is commonly found growing along roadsides, ditches, fields, and other disturbed areas, including throughout Oregon.

Chicory has a long history of culinary and agricultural use. Young leaves can be harvested and eaten raw or cooked, although they have a naturally bitter flavor. The roots can be roasted and ground to make chicory coffee, a caffeine-free coffee substitute traditionally used in Europe and the southern United States.

Chicory is also valuable as forage for livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats, and is commonly used in pasture plantings. Its nutritional value and palatability make it a useful forage species.

Pacific Northwest Planting

Chicory is well suited to the Pacific Northwest and can be established from seed in early spring. The current planting recommendation for this product is early spring, when soil conditions are suitable.

Fall Planting

Fall planting may also be possible in areas with mild winters, particularly where plants have enough time to establish before consistently cold weather. However, fall planting is more dependent on local climate and timing than early spring planting.

In western Oregon and other areas with mild winter conditions, growers may choose to experiment with fall establishment. Young plants can develop roots and foliage during the cooler months and resume active growth as conditions warm in late winter and spring.

Because Chicory typically develops a strong root system before producing substantial flowering growth, successful fall establishment can be useful for forage and pasture plantings. Avoid planting so early that warm fall conditions encourage excessive top growth before winter.

Spring Planting

Early spring planting is the primary planting recommendation for Chicory.

Sow directly into a prepared seed bed and provide good seed-to-soil contact. The current product information recommends sowing approximately 2–3 weeks before the last expected frost.

Early spring planting allows seedlings to take advantage of available soil moisture before the onset of summer dryness. Chicory prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Planting in Other Regions

Chicory is listed for USDA Zones 3–11 and can be grown across a broad range of climates.

In colder regions, early spring planting is generally the most reliable option. In areas with mild winters, fall establishment may also be possible when local conditions allow young plants to develop before winter.

In warmer regions, Chicory can be established during the cooler portion of the growing season. Once established, its deep taproot provides good tolerance to dry conditions.

For detailed information on site preparation, seeding methods, planting depth, and general planting practices, see our Planting Directions page.

Establishment & Growth

Chicory is a perennial that commonly follows a biennial growth cycle in cooler climates. During the first year, plants focus on developing a strong root system and a basal rosette of leaves. In the second year, plants produce tall flowering stems and bloom during summer.

In warmer regions or under favorable growing conditions, Chicory may behave as a short-lived perennial and flower annually once established.

Plants generally grow 12–48 inches tall and produce brilliant sky-blue flowers during the summer. The current product information lists approximately 3–5 weeks to bloom under suitable growing conditions.

Chicory establishes readily from seed and performs best in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, its deep taproot allows plants to tolerate periods of drought and dry soil.

Pollinator & Wildlife Value

Chicory flowers provide pollen for flower-visiting insects, including honey bees and native bees. The bright blue flowers can provide a useful floral resource during the summer flowering season.

Chicory is also used as a source of food for honey bees and is included in forage and pollinator plantings.

Forage Value

Chicory is valued as a forage plant for livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats. It is commonly incorporated into pasture systems because of its nutritional value, palatability, and ability to remain productive under dry conditions.

Important Planting Consideration

Chicory is considered invasive in some areas of the United States and is officially listed as a noxious weed in Colorado, South Dakota, and New Mexico. Before planting, check with your state Department of Agriculture or local invasive species authority to determine whether any restrictions apply in your area.

Larger Quantities

For quantities larger than those currently listed for sale, please contact us for availability and pricing.

Seeding Rates

The broadcast rate for seeding is 10–12.5 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 5 pounds per acre.