Cichorium intybus
chicory
A crop plant, a parent of cultivated chicory. The thick roots are also used to make a coffee substitute, and is sometimes seen naturalised. It has wiry, branching upright stems with numerous flowers distributed along the branches, growing tight to the stem, flowering throughout summer. They open in sunlight, but close in wet weather. The common form is a clear sky blue, but white and pink are also available. It is the original plant from which many types have been selected - Belgian chicory, Radicchio or red chicory, and Sugarloaf chicory
Other common names
barbe de capucinblue dandelion
see moreblue sailors
bunk
French endive
succory
whitloof
witloof
coffee weed
ysgellog
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue Pink White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Cichorium can be annual or perennial plants with loosely branched stems bearing toothed or pinnately lobed leaves and dandelion-like, usually blue flowers which close by early afternoon, in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W Euras., N Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. For more advice, follow chicory cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Coastal
- Rock garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and rust disease
Get involved
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