Also known as Belgian Endive · Belgium Endive · Blue Sailors
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its bright blue flowers and use as a coffee substitute and leafy vegetable.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Well-drained, fertile, sandy loam, clay loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers moderate temperatures (15-25°C). Can tolerate light frost once established.
Low
25% intensity
Benefits from compost at planting. Light feeding with a balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Cichorium intybus is generally considered non-toxic to humans and common pets. Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from the sap.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Chicory prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its establishment phase. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry.
Reduce watering once established, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Pruning is generally not required for Cichorium intybus unless it's grown for its decorative foliage or to prevent excessive self-seeding. If desired, you can trim back overgrown foliage to maintain a tidy appearance.
Deadheading spent flower stalks will also prevent unwanted spread.
Chicory is easily propagated by seed, either sown directly outdoors in early spring or started indoors a few weeks prior. Seeds germinate readily.
It can also be propagated by root division in early spring, although this is less common for home gardeners.
Repotting is typically not necessary for chicory as it is often grown as an annual or biennial, or directly in the ground. If grown in a container and it becomes root-bound, repot into a larger container in early spring before significant growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cichorium |
| Species | Cichorium intybus |
Similar in genus Cichorium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
