Wild Chicory is a Hardy Perennial.

It forms a low rosette of dandelion-like leaves in spring, then sends up tall flower spikes in summer. It comes back year after year.

The "Watcher of the Road": Chicory flowers have a fascinating rhythm. They open wide in the morning to greet the sun but usually close up by the late afternoon or in dull weather. It’s a flower that keeps time!

This plant has a massive taproot (like a parsnip), so it hates being moved. Direct sowing is best.

Germination:
Sow directly outdoors from March to May, or in Autumn (Sept). Scatter seeds onto raked soil and cover lightly (5mm deep). Germination takes 14-21 days.

Where to Sow:
It demands **full sun** and alkaline/chalky soil, though it tolerates almost anything except waterlogged bog. It loves heat and dry conditions.

Care While Growing:
It is virtually maintenance-free. You don't need to water it once established. You can cut the stems back to the ground in autumn to tidy it up.

Chicory looks best in a relaxed, meadow-style planting scheme:

• 🥕 Wild Carrot (Daucus carota): The Roadside Duo. You often see these two growing together in the wild. The flat white umbels of the Wild Carrot provide a horizontal contrast to the tall, vertical blue spikes of Chicory.
• 🌼 Oxeye Daisies: The Meadow Mix. The simple white and yellow of the daisy makes the electric blue of the Chicory pop. Both are tough perennials that thrive in the same conditions.

Sow outdoors in spring. Flowers July to September.