Chicory
Cichorium intybus · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant chicory: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Chicory, Endive, Witloof chicory
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Type
- Biennial herb
- Adult size
- 40-60 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, green to grey-blue
- Flowering
- July to September, sky-blue flowers
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and South-West Asia
Care
Watering
Water regularly during growth, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. During dry periods, watering 2 to 3 times a week is usually sufficient. Significantly reduce watering in winter, unless the leaves begin to wilt.
Light exposure
Choose a location in full sun (minimum 6 to 8 hours) for optimal growth. The plant tolerates partial shade, but production and vigour will be reduced. Avoid heavily shaded areas.
Soil
Prefer well-draining, fertile soil that is slightly alkaline. Compacted soil will slow growth and promote rot. Loosen the soil before planting and enrich it with mature compost if needed.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer (NPK) in spring and early summer to support vegetative growth. Use a potassium-rich fertilizer at the end of the season to strengthen the plant before winter. Follow recommended dosages.
Pruning and cutting
Remove flowers as they appear if you're looking for tender leaves (forcing chicons). Remove damaged or diseased leaves to keep the plant in good condition. No structural pruning is necessary.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew in warm, humid weather. Aphids and slugs can damage the foliage: intervene quickly with gentle methods. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot and fungal diseases.
Did you know?
The chicory endive as we know it today is the result of an accidental discovery in 19th-century Brussels: chicory roots forgotten in a cellar produced white, tender shoots, creating the 'Witloof' variety (white leaf in Flemish). This forcing technique in darkness became the basis of modern Belgian endive cultivation, transforming a wild weed into a delicate and highly prized vegetable.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.