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.
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]. |
Citations:
[1] https://mountainvalleygrowers.com/organic-plants/cichorum-intybus-chicory/
[2] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/chicory/potted-chicory-care.htm
[3] https://survivalgardenseeds.com/products/root-chicory-seed-coffee-chicory
[4] https://www.ufseeds.com/chicory-seed-to-harvest.html
[5] https://plantura.garden/uk/flowers-perennials/chicory/chicory-overview
[6] https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cichorium-intybus/
[7] https://premeditatedleftovers.com/gardening/how-to-grow-chickory/
[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicory
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicory
[2] https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/chicory
[3] https://www.friendsofeloisebutler.org/pages/plants/chicory.html
[4] https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cichorium-intybus/
[5] https://plantura.garden/uk/flowers-perennials/chicory/chicory-overview
[6] https://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/forbs-herbaceous/chicory
[7] https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/chicory-cichorium-intybus/
[8] https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/cichorium/intybus/