Cichorium intybus (Chicory)

Botanical name

Cichorium intybus

Other names

Chicory, Blue sailors, Barbe de capucin, Blue dandelion, Bunk, Coffee weed, French endive, Succory, Witloof, Whitloof, Cichorium balearicum, Cichorium cicorea, Cichorium commune, Cichorium perenne

Genus

Cichorium Cichorium

Species

C. intybus - C. intybus is a clump-forming, tap-rooted, deciduous perennial with edible roots, lance-shaped, toothed, edible, mid-green basal leaves and branching stems bearing dandelion-like, blue, sometimes white or pink flower heads from summer into autumn.

Native to

Mediterranean

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming

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Colour

Flower

Blue in Summer; Blue in Autumn

Foliage

Green in Spring; Green in Summer; Green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Slugs , Snails

Specific diseases

Bolting

General care

Pruning

Thin out to 22cm (9 in) apart and keep weed free. Remove at the end of the growing season.

Propagation

Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in late spring or autumn. Often sown in late spring and leaves harvested in late autumn and winter.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Cichorium intybus (Chicory) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 0.6m after 1-2 years.

Suggested uses

Add to salads, Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Flavouring food and drinks, Wildlife

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers neutral to alkaline conditions but tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Does not tolerate hot, humid summers. Moderately drought tolerant once established. Though a perennial, often grown as an annual, winter crop.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Cichorium intybus (Chicory)

Common pest name

Necrotic spot

Scientific pest name

Impatiens necrotic spot virus

Type

Virus or Viroid

Current status in UK

Present (Widespread)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Pest of mainly ornamentals and vegetables; present in the UK; and covered by the EU listing of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus. To be kept under consideration in light of a review of the EU listing.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/