I came across chicory when I was researching pet safe flowering plants when I started planting a garden for Lovie. He was transitioning into senior doghood and it was during the pandemic lockdown, so a pet-friendly garden seemed like a good way for us both to enjoy some enrichment together. I check the flowers we feature on our site with the ASPCA and do extensive internet research for both the common and scientific name just to be super pet safe. If we cannot find direct reference, we check up to genus and so on until we can confirm whether a plant is toxic or non toxic to both cats and dogs. If we are not sure, or get contradictory information, we do not include it. Many of the plants featured we have grown successfully in our own pet safe garden in Northern California. You can see many of garden stars in photos from Lovie’s Pet Safe Garden.
Chicory & Catchfly in Lovie’s Pet Safe Garden
Does Chicory Like Sun or Shade
Physical Attributes
Attribute
Description
Height
Chicory can grow from 1 to 6 feet tall[1][3].
Stems
The stems are tough, grooved, and may have a reddish-brown tinge. They contain a milky sap and are covered with short stiff hairs[1][3].
Leaves
The leaves are alternate, lanceolate, and can be lobed or toothed. They are rough and hairy, resembling dandelion leaves[1][2][3].
Flowers
Chicory produces bright blue flowers, occasionally white or pink, which are 1 to 2 inches wide. The flowers open in the morning and close by midday[1][2][3].
General Care Tips
Tip
Description
Sunlight
Chicory prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering[3][4].
Soil
It grows well in well-drained soil and can tolerate a variety of soil types[4].
Watering
Once established, chicory is drought-tolerant but performs best with regular watering[4].
Maintenance
Chicory can be invasive, spreading by re-seeding, so it may require management to prevent unwanted spreading[3][4].
Fun Facts
Fact
Description
Culinary Use
Chicory roots are often dried, ground, and used as a coffee substitute[1][4].
Invasive Nature
Though it is considered invasive in some areas, chicory is often found along roadsides and disturbed areas[3][4].
Historical Use
Linnaeus used chicory in his floral clock because its flowers open and close at specific times[3].
Pollinator Attraction
Chicory attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to pollinator support[4].
Does Chicory Come Back Every Year
Consideration
Details
Container Friendly
Yes, chicory can be grown in containers, which makes it easy to harvest and manage, especially if grown for its roots[1][2].
Indoor/Outdoor
Primarily outdoor, but can be started indoors and then moved outside[4].
Sun/Shade
Prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates[2][4].
Perennial/Annual
Perennial, but often grown as an annual[3][4].
Flowering
Yes, chicory produces bright blue flowers, which can also be white or pink depending on soil pH[1][2].
Drought Tolerant
Yes, chicory is drought-tolerant once established[3].
Pollinator Magnet
Yes, it attracts bees and other pollinators with its flowers[5].
Beginner Friendly
Yes, it is relatively easy to grow and maintain[3][4].
Good Ground Cover
Not typically used as ground cover due to its height and growth habit[1][3].
Good Privacy Screen
No, chicory is not suitable for privacy screens due to its growth habit[1][3].
Invasive/Spreader
Can spread easily if not managed, as it self-seeds readily[1][4].
Hearty/Delicate
Hearty, particularly in cooler climates, and can tolerate frost[4][5].
Rodent Repellant
No specific information on rodent repellant properties[1][2][3][4][5].
Deer Resistant
Generally not preferred by deer, but not completely resistant[5].
Native To
Native to Central Europe[5].
Ideal States/Regions
Best in cooler climates, but can be grown in a variety of regions with appropriate care[4][5].
