Perennials
Planting Season:
Year-RoundChicory's vibrant blue flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, fostering biodiversity and supporting the local ecosystem. As pollinators visit, the plant blooms; they also pollinate nearby plants, enhancing the overall fertility and productivity of the landscape. This plant is known as the "blue daisy" for its attractive round blue flowers with a petal and sepal pattern similar to daisies. The plant is also known to have white or pink blooms, but these examples are rare.
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) Perennials Close Midday and Open In the Early Morning Hours
Chicory grows to 5 feet tall but is most commonly about 2 feet tall. When grown close together, the light blue flowers form a canopy, creating a pleasing focal point in any garden. Being blue, these flowers mesh well with other blue varieties, such as California bluebells or Northern Blue Flags. Because blue daisies are lighter, you can ring them around any flowers of darker blue to create a visual transition to flowers of other colors.
All Parts Of Chicory Are Edible
These flowers have different leaves based on how old they are. In their first season, leaves form at the base of the stems. These attractive, curly leaves can grow about a foot long and create a separate focal point for the blue flowers. During their second or any following season, the leaves are smaller and grow further up the stems. Unlike many other plants, blue daisies lack petioles, so the leaves seem to clasp the stem lovingly, which creates a sweet effect.
The Blooms Of The Chicory
The flowers of this plant only last one day, but the plant grows new flowers every day throughout the spring and summer. The flower buds generally open at or shortly after dawn, and by sunset, the flowers are closing again as new ones prepare to open the next day. It's possible to take time-lapse photos or videos of these flowers and see them "wink" throughout the day. This charming phenomenon is not unique to blue daisies but is particularly noteworthy among these flowers.
Pollinators Love Chicory
Even though Chicory blooms only last a day or so each, they are still an essential nectar source for pollinators like the bumblebee and certain butterfly species. Generally, these insects will flock to a cluster of blue daisies in the early afternoon. These plants are pretty hardy, too, so in addition to being good-looking, they prevent soil leaching and erosion and contribute to the health of any garden.
What is a chicory plant? lololololololololololololololololololo Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is an ephemeral plant with glossy blue flowers. Chicory is mainly used as a plant ornamental, adapts to almost any soil, and it looks beautiful and pretty in gardens.
How to tend a chicory plant?
Chicory doesn't require much care to grow and you can grow it quickly. It likes full sun and is adaptable to most soil types. Regularly water the plant, but don't over-water because it is drought tolerant.
Can I plant chicory in a pot?
This plant grows easily in pots. The pot must be drained and able to take the taproot growth.
When will chicory flower?
Chicory flowers in mid- to late-summer and produce vibrant blue flowers. It may take 3-4 months from seed to flower, depending on the climate in which it grows.
Can chicory draw pollinators?
Chicory flowers blue, and pollinates with bees, butterflies and other insects. It is good for encouraging biological diversity in one's garden and for the protection of native species.
This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery
Bloom Season
Summer
Bloom/Foliage Color
Blue
Height at Maturity
Over 12"
Care
Chicory thrives in well-drained soil with regular, moderate watering. It is hardy and tolerant of various temperatures. Harvest young leaves for a mild taste, or let the plant mature for a more robust flavor.
Plant Reproduction
Chicory spreads by seed and by pieces of its roots.
Planting bare-root perennials is best in any season if they are dormant; we only sell dormant plants. Planting them year-round is also excellent if you can get dormant perennials. When your bare-root perennials arrive, soak the roots in water for a few hours to rehydrate them. Lant by digging a hole wide enough to spread the roots comfortably and deep enough to place the top portion crown (where the roots meet the stem) at or slightly above ground level. Position the plant in the hole, backfill with native soil, and gently firm the soil around the roots—water well after planting to settle the soil around the plant and eliminate air. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to keep weeds at bay and moisture locked in, keeping the mulch away from the crown. Irrigate plants regularly during the first few weeks of drought; never water in full sun, and water late in the evenings to ensure the roots are established well. Fertilize sparingly in the first year, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in subsequent years as needed.
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Charming Leaf Structure:
The plant's leaves vary by age, with attractive curly leaves at the base in the first season and smaller, stem-clasping leaves in subsequent seasons. This distinctive leaf pattern adds additional visual interest.
Erosion Control:
Beyond their beauty, Chicory plants help prevent soil leaching and erosion, contributing to the overall health and stability of your garden. They’re as functional as they are attractive.
Dynamic Growth:
Chicory plants grow up to 5 feet tall but are typically around 2 feet, forming a lovely canopy when planted in clusters. Their daily blooming cycle offers a fresh display of flowers throughout the spring and summer.
Pollinator Magnet:
Chicory's vibrant blue flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, enhancing garden biodiversity. This support for local pollinators boosts the fertility and productivity of the entire landscape.
Caring Tips
How do I care for my Chicory?
Each box contains detailed care instructions and information about your product. But here's the basics.
Care Tips
Chicory thrives in well-drained soil with regular, moderate watering. It is hardy and tolerant of various temperatures. Harvest young leaves for a mild taste, or let the plant mature for a more robust flavor.
Light Requirements
Chicory grows best in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can handle partial shade, optimal growth and flavor are achieved with ample sunlight.
Hardy Planting Zones
3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9
Frequently Asked Questions
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