Chicory originally came from the Mediterranian, but it has become a widely cultivated plant used as a culinary and medicinal herb. It is also considered to be a wild flower that is not only lovely but beneficial as well with the leaves, buds, and roots offering nutritive value. It can be grown as a forage crop for livestock, and it is a major bee plant in many areas.

Chicory seeds can be started indoors 4 - 6 weeks prior to the end of frost season. Or, directly sow the seeds out a few weeks prior to the last frost.

Chicory plants perform well in full sun, and in well-drained, fertile soils.

• If starting the flower seed indoors, use peat pots for holding the soil and seed - Chicory forms a tap root and to transplant it successfully, the tap root should be handled carefully
• Cover the seeds slightly with soil
• Keep the seeds warm and moist for germination
• Harden off the seedlings for 7 - 10 days prior to planting out
• Transplant out carefully, not disturbing the tap root - if using peat pots, the entire pot can be planted
• Or, work the garden soil to a depth of 8 - 10 inches
• Work in compost to improve the soil
• Firm the seed bed, broadcast the seed, press the seed into the soil and then cover with no more than 1/4 inch of soil
• Keep the area continually moist for germination
• Thin to the strongest plant every 10 - 12 inches apart

• Irrigate Chicory regularly for establishment
• Mulch around the base to help hold in moisture and suppress weeds
• Maintain evenly moist soil throughout the growing season to help prevent drought stress
• Chicory is relatively free from pests and diseases