Cichorium intybus aka Chicory

Taxonomy

Genus Cichorium Family Asteraceae Order Asterales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Cichorium intybus, also known as common chicory or witloof chicory, is a somewhat woody, perennial herbaceous plant that is native to the Old World but has been introduced to the Americas and Australia. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and usually has bright blue flowers, though white or pink varieties also exist. Many varieties are cultivated for their salad leaves, blanched buds (chicons), or roots, which are baked, ground, and used as a coffee substitute and food additive. Inulin, an extract from chicory root, is also used in food manufacturing as a sweetener and source of dietary fiber. Chicory is grown as a forage crop for livestock. However, it can be weedy and invasive in fields, pastures, and along roadsides, especially in North America. "Chicory" is also the common name in the United States for curly endive (Cichorium endivia), which is a salad green. Despite its weedy appearance, witloof chicory plants have a double life and are responsible for the production of chicons, a bittersweet winter salad green that is considered a culinary delicacy in the U.S.

Common names

Chicory, Chickory, Belgium Endive

How to care for Chicory

Difficulty

Chicory presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Chicory should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Chicory loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Chicory prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Chicory to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Growth-pattern

Chicory grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Chicory’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Cichorium Genus

Cichorium spinosum Spiny Chicory

Cichorium intybus Chicory