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Wild Chicory: Wild chicory forms a low rosette of elongated, toothed leaves with a firm texture and characteristic gentle bitterness.

chicory Asteraceae

Weston

Wild Chicory Seeds

Name: Wild Chicory Seeds
Brand: Weston
Price: 3.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Cichorium intybus

Wild chicory forms a low rosette of elongated, toothed leaves with a firm texture and characteristic gentle bitterness. Enjoy successive harvests of young leaves for salads and cooked greens. This is chicory, not botanical dandelion; sow in spring or late summer and keep the soil evenly moist.

Sold as 1500 seeds

3 ⁹⁹$

Common nameChicory

FamilyAsteraceae

GenusCichorium

Speciesintybus

CultivarPissenlit

Typechicory

Botanical nameCichorium intybus

Wild Chicory Seeds (Cichorium intybus) Wild chicory forms a low rosette of elongated, toothed leaves with a firm texture and characteristic gentle bitterness. Enjoy successive harvests of young leaves for salads and cooked greens.

Sow in spring and late summer for cool-season harvests. Sow about 3 mm deep. Keep the seedbed evenly moist through emergence. Allow 20 to 25 cm between plants. Provide sun to partial shade and avoid standing water. A germination temperature of 16 to 20°C is appropriate for this crop. Thin crowded seedlings early and harden indoor-started plants gradually before transplanting.

This is chicory, not botanical dandelion; sow in spring or late summer and keep the soil evenly moist. Harvest young leaves while they remain tender, before bolting reduces their quality.

In the garden

Exposure: Sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Annual or biennial depending on type

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

3 mm

Spacing / density

20 to 25 cm between plants

Germination temperature

16 to 20°C

Sowing period

Sow in spring and late summer for cool-season harvests

Propagation

Seed

Growing method

Prepare a clean seedbed or containers with light, fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Sow in spring and late summer for cool-season harvests. Sow about 3 mm deep unless the packet gives a more specific direction. Use the following spacing as the crop develops: 20 to 25 cm between plants. Keep the medium evenly moist during emergence without leaving it saturated. Provide sun to partial shade and good air movement. Thin crowded seedlings early so the remaining plants develop without unnecessary competition. Harden indoor-started plants gradually before transplanting them outdoors after the appropriate frost date. Water regularly to reduce excessive bitterness and bolting.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

5.5 to 6.5

Watering

Water regularly to reduce excessive bitterness and bolting. Check moisture at soil level instead of watering only by schedule. Water gently during germination so seeds are not displaced, then direct irrigation toward the root zone. Avoid standing water and adjust frequency after rain.

Soil type

Wild chicory performs best in light, fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Loosen compacted ground before sowing and remove large stones or persistent weeds. Mature compost may improve poor soil, but avoid creating a heavy or waterlogged seedbed.

Fertilization

Prepare the soil with mature compost when fertility is low. A light, balanced fertilizer may be used according to its label, but excessive feeding can cause weak or unbalanced growth. Observe leaf colour and plant development before adding more nutrients. Water after any application.

Seasonal care

At sowing time, prepare light, fertile, moist, well-drained soil and follow this timing: Sow in spring and late summer for cool-season harvests. Keep the surface moist until emergence, label the row, and thin seedlings according to the recommended spacing. During active growth, provide sun to partial shade and monitor soil moisture, weeds, and leaf condition. Water regularly to reduce excessive bitterness and bolting. In warm or windy weather, check containers and exposed beds more frequently. Remove damaged material and keep enough space for air circulation. At harvest or after flowering, use clean tools and clear unhealthy debris. Healthy residue may be composted where appropriate. At the end of the season, clean containers and tools, record useful observations, and store remaining seed in a cool, dry, dark place.

Container growing

A sufficiently wide container makes the leaves easy to reach.

Bloom and dimensions

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

20 to 25 cm (8–10 in)

Width / spread

25 to 36 cm (10–14 in)

Harvest

Harvest young leaves while they remain tender, before bolting reduces their quality.

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Radishes or lettuce can border these greens when their seasonal growing needs are compatible.

Other recommended plants

Bionda Broad Leaf Cutting Chicory; KS Attraction Lettuce; Palla Rossa Chicory

Garden use

Enjoy successive harvests of young leaves for salads and cooked greens. Harvest young leaves while they remain tender, before bolting reduces their quality.

Frequently asked questions

How should Wild chicory be sown?

Sow in spring and late summer for cool-season harvests. Prepare light, fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Sow about 3 mm deep. Keep the seedbed evenly moist until emergence without saturating it. Label the row and provide sun to partial shade. Thin crowded seedlings so the final spacing follows this guidance: 20 to 25 cm between plants. If plants are started indoors, provide strong light and harden them gradually before transplanting outdoors at the appropriate time.

Where should I grow Wild Chicory?

Light: Sun to partial shade. A fine seedbed without a compacted surface crust helps small seeds emerge. Light: Sun to partial shade. Wild chicory prefers sun to partial shade and light, fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Choose a location that leaves enough room for 20 to 25 cm between plants. Avoid low spots where water remains after rain. In a container, use drainage holes and a clean growing mix. Observe how light moves across the space during the day, especially near buildings or taller plants.

How should I water Wild Chicory?

Water gently during establishment, then check moisture beneath the leaves. Water regularly to reduce excessive bitterness and bolting. During germination, use a gentle spray or careful watering so seed is not displaced. After establishment, water at soil level when the surface begins to dry. Adjust frequency to rainfall, heat, wind, soil texture, and container size. Avoid standing water because roots still require oxygen. Morning watering can help foliage dry normally during the day.

What maintenance does Wild chicory need?

Keep the planting labelled, weeded, and appropriately spaced. Check young plants regularly for wilting, chewing damage, discolouration, or crowding. Provide sun to partial shade and maintain the moisture pattern described for the crop. Use clean tools, avoid deep cultivation near established roots, and remove unhealthy debris. Apply any fertilizer or pest-control product only according to its label.

When should I harvest Wild Chicory?

Harvest young leaves while they remain tender, before bolting reduces their quality. This is chicory, not botanical dandelion; sow in spring or late summer and keep the soil evenly moist.