Chicory

Chicory is a hardy, leafy green domesticated from its wild European ancestors. With its ruffled leaves and lightly blanched centre, this plant offers a mild bitter flavour that enhances salads, sautés, and traditional dishes.

Bitter greens like chicory have long been prized for their digestive benefits, supporting gut health and stimulating appetite. A resilient plant, chicory thrives in cooler weather, making it an excellent choice for fall and winter harvesting.

Where Can You Grow Chicory

Chicory thrives in Zones 3-9, preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is ideal for garden beds, raised beds, and container growing.

History and Historical Uses

Chicory has been cultivated for centuries, valued for both its culinary and medicinal uses. Ancient Romans and Greeks used it as a tonic herb, while in many European traditions, the leaves, roots, and flowers were incorporated into food and herbal remedies. Today, chicory remains a staple in Italian, French, and Mediterranean cuisine.

Canadian Zone Information

• Zones 8-9: Sow seeds in early spring or autumn for a continuous harvest.
• Zones 5-7: Direct sow in late spring for summer harvest or in late summer for a fall and winter crop.
• Zones 3-4: Plant in early summer for fall harvests, as it tolerates frost well.

How to Grow and Harvest Chicory

1. Planting: Sow seeds 0.5-1cm (1/4-1/2in) deep, spacing plants 20-30cm (8-12in) apart.
2. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
3. Harvesting:
   • Leaves: Harvest young leaves for fresh salads or let them mature for cooking.
   • Roots: Can be harvested, dried, and roasted for use as a coffee substitute.
4. Maintenance: Chicory is cold-hardy and can be blanched by covering plants for a milder taste.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

1. Allow Plants to Flower: Chicory produces tall stalks with bright blue flowers in its second year.
2. Harvest Seeds: Once flower heads dry and turn brown, collect the seed heads before they disperse.
3. Dry and Clean: Spread seeds on a towel to dry completely, then remove any debris.
4. Store: Store dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for up to 5 years.

Certified Organic By

Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)