Chicory

Basic Information

Seed Number

52

Seed Name

Chicory

Variety

Not recorded

Category

Herb

Plant Family

Asteraceae

Plant Type

Common chicory (Cichorium intybus)

Planting Method

Direct Sow

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 1

Last Recommended Planting Date

Aug 31

Plantable Months

April, May, June, July, August

Indoor Start

Not recorded

Direct Sow

Apr 1 – Aug 31

Transplant

Not Recommended

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

Not Recommended

Transplant Weeks After Frost

Not Recommended

Germination Days

7–21 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

55-75°F

Planting Depth

1/4 in

Plant Spacing

6-12 in

Row Spacing

18-24 in

Thin-To Spacing

6-12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Keep evenly moist during establishment; established plants tolerate dry periods

Soil Preference

Well-drained soil; tolerant of a wide range of soil types

Minimum Container Size

3 gal; 12+ in deep

Plant Height

2-4 ft

Perennial/Biennial Status

Biennial

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

No

Drought Tolerant

Yes

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

Yes

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Start indoors or direct sow; many benefit from cold stratification
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Apr 15 – Jun 15; Sep 1 – Oct 15 for fall sowing
Germination Time: 10–30+ days
Days to Harvest / Bloom: Blooms/harvest often year 2
Container Friendly: Yes for many; deep-rooted types prefer ground
Succession / Reusable Notes: Great for permanent herb/medicinal beds.
Zone 6B Notes: Many medicinal perennials need patience and may not bloom first year.
Companion Plants: Yarrow, echinacea, calendula, lavender, sage, thyme, oregano, clover, native flowers
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Crowded/overly wet beds
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Common chicory is a cool-weather biennial that grows well in Zone 6B. Spring sow for first-year roots and leaves or late-summer sow for plants that overwinter and flower the following year.
Germination: Direct sow because the deep taproot is best left undisturbed. Keep the seedbed moist during establishment.
Harvest: Young leaves are edible but bitter. Roots can be harvested, roasted and ground as a coffee substitute. Plants generally flower in their second season.
Seed Saving: Allow second-year blue flowers to mature into dry seed heads. Chicory can self-seed and naturalize.
Special Care: Develops a substantial taproot and may become difficult to remove once established. It can behave as a roadside or pasture weed.
Research Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cichorium-intybus/ — Cichorium intybus identity, biennial life cycle, 2-4 foot height, full sun, soil adaptability, drought tolerance and edible roots/leaves
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]