Botanical profile

Coffee chicory

Latin name
Cichorium intybus var. sativum
Common name
Coffee chicory
Type
Biennial root vegetable
Family
Asteraceae

Chicory is a vegetable and medicinal plant grown primarily for its root, which can be harvested, dried, roasted, and then used as a substitute for or supplement to coffee. It forms slightly toothed green foliage and, at maturity, develops beautiful soft blue flowers with rustic charm. Very interesting in a gourmet vegetable garden, a medicinal plant garden, or an edible landscape, it adds a dimension that is both useful, decorative, and traditional.

Easy to grow, chicory prefers a sunny location in deep, fertile, light, and well-drained soil to allow its root to develop properly. It appreciates regular watering during growth, especially during hot periods, but requires little maintenance once well established. It is preferable to provide it with loose soil, without excess water, to facilitate root harvesting and promote more uniform growth.

Long recognized for its use as a roasted beverage, chicory offers a rich, slightly bitter flavor and is naturally caffeine-free. In addition to its culinary interest, it attracts pollinators when in bloom and fits perfectly into natural gardens, specialized vegetable gardens, and collections of useful plants. It is an ideal plant for gardeners who wish to cultivate an original, hardy, and versatile variety with significant historical and aromatic value.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Edible root roasted and used as a coffee substitute
Vegetable garden, edible garden, root crop, pollinator garden
Container growing
Pot culture possible in a very deep container
Seasonal care
Maintain regular watering to encourage a straight root; harvest roots in the fall before heavy frosts
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 3
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Regular; keep the soil moist without waterlogging
Humidity
Average humidity; prefers cool but well-drained soil
Fertilization
Compost at seeding; avoid excess nitrogen to promote root development
Soil type
Deep, loose, fertile, fresh, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
Minimum temperature
-30°C
Propagation method
Direct seeding
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer to early fall
Flower color
Blue
Fruiting
Long edible taproot
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Leafy rosette then erect flower stalks
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
24 to 48 in. (60 to 120 cm)
Width
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Growth rate
Average growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Carrots, lettuces, radishes, beetroots
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
Roots in autumn
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.