Chicory Growing Guide
Chicory is a great next step in your growing journey. Follow this guide from planting to harvest and you'll do great.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Moderate
Category
Vegetable
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Growing Zones
Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Plant Family
Asteraceae
Growing Season
Cool Season
Plant Lifecycle
Perennial
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
30 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
30 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Chicory?
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Your Chicory Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Chicory's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 7–14 days
Growing Tips
- 1Chicory thrives in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight.
- 2It prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0, so consider adding compost to improve soil quality.
- 3Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and space plants about 12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
- 4To manage pests, use row covers to protect young plants and encourage beneficial insects to keep pest populations in check.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~85
Days to Maturity
100 cm
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
30 days
When to Pick
Harvest leaves or roots depending on variety
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest chicory when the leaves are firm and mature, typically in the fall after a few frosts for the best flavor.
- 2Cut the leaves at the base of the plant using a sharp knife or scissors, leaving the root intact to encourage regrowth.
- 3To avoid damaging the plant, handle the leaves gently and avoid pulling them out by the roots.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your Chicory plant is easy and rewarding! Simply let a few plants flower and go to seed—once the flower heads dry out and turn brown, gently snip them off and shake out the tiny seeds. Spread the seeds out to dry for a few days in a cool, dry place, then store them in a labeled envelope or jar in a cool, dark spot. You’ve just taken the first step toward a self-sustaining garden—saving seeds is something every grower can do, and it’s a great way to keep your favorite Chicory growing year after year!
Seed Production
Feeling inspired?
Grow Chicory from seed.
Bitter greens, beautiful blue flowers, and a coffee-substitute root. Buy a pack and get started.
$2.25
CAD
In Stock
