How to Grow Chicory in Canada | Complete Guide

Download | How to Grow Chicory in Canada | Complete Growing Guide (PDF)

Chicory is a versatile, cool-season vegetable grown for its distinctive, pleasantly bitter leaves, tender shoots, or edible roots. Popular in traditional Italian cooking, chicory adds flavour and variety to salads, soups, and sautéed vegetable dishes.

Although chicory is sometimes confused with endive or radicchio, it includes several distinct types. Leaf chicory and Catalogna are grown primarily for their foliage, while root chicory is cultivated for its enlarged taproot.

Chicory grows successfully in many Canadian gardens, particularly during the cooler spring and autumn months. With proper planting dates, consistent moisture, and timely harvesting, gardeners can enjoy tender leaves throughout much of the growing season.

This guide explains how to grow chicory from seed in Canada, with particular attention to Catalogna chicory, the leafy variety offered by Caribou Seed Company.

Chicory Growing Guide at a Glance

Feature	Growing Requirement
Botanical Name	Cichorium intybus
Plant Type	Perennial species, usually cultivated as an annual or biennial crop
Sun Exposure	Full sun, approximately 6–8 hours daily; light afternoon shade during summer heat
Soil	Fertile, well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.5
Start Indoors	Leaf chicory: 4–6 weeks before transplanting; root chicory is best direct sown
Direct Sow	Spring or midsummer for autumn greens; spring for root chicory
Sowing Depth	0.5–1 cm (¼–½ inch)
Germination	5–14 days at approximately 15–22°C (59–72°F)
Plant Spacing	Leaf chicory: 20–30 cm (8–12 inches); root chicory: 10–15 cm (4–6 inches)
Row Spacing	30–45 cm (12–18 inches)
Water Needs	Approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) weekly, adjusted for weather and soil conditions
Difficulty	Easy to moderate
Container Growing	Yes; leafy varieties in containers at least 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) deep

Understanding the Different Types of Chicory

Leaf Chicory

Leaf chicory is grown for its edible green foliage. Depending on the variety, leaves may be broad, smooth, serrated, or deeply lobed.

Young leaves can be harvested for salads, while mature leaves are commonly sautéed, braised, or added to soups.

Catalogna Chicory

Catalogna Chicory produces upright plants with long, narrow green leaves, serrated margins, and prominent pale ribs.

Catalogna is particularly popular in Italian cooking, where its leaves are commonly blanched, sautéed with garlic and olive oil, or incorporated into soups and vegetable dishes.

For Canadian gardeners, Catalogna is an excellent choice for spring and autumn planting. Cooler weather encourages tender leaves and helps moderate the plant's naturally bitter flavour.

Puntarelle Chicory

Puntarelle refers to the tender inner shoots produced by certain Catalogna-type chicory varieties. These shoots are traditionally sliced into salads or lightly cooked.

Not every Catalogna variety produces the thick central shoots associated with puntarelle, so choose a specifically identified puntarelle variety if that is your intended harvest.

Root Chicory

Root chicory is cultivated for its long, enlarged taproot. Roots may be dried and roasted for use in specialty beverages, including chicory coffee alternatives.

These varieties require deep, loose, stone-free soil and a longer growing period than most leafy chicory types.

Witloof Chicory

Witloof chicory is grown for its roots, which are later forced in darkness to produce compact pale heads commonly known as Belgian endive.

This process requires additional steps beyond ordinary leaf chicory production.

How Is Chicory Different from Radicchio?

Radicchio is also a cultivated form of Cichorium intybus, but it is generally grown for its distinctive red or variegated heads.

Catalogna chicory is grown primarily for long green leaves, while root chicory is cultivated for its enlarged taproot.

Caribou Growing Note: Choose Chicory for Your Harvest

For traditional Italian cooking greens, Catalogna chicory is an excellent choice. If you want thick puntarelle shoots, select a variety specifically bred for that purpose. Root and witloof chicory require different growing and harvesting methods.

When to Plant Chicory in Canada

Chicory performs best during cool to moderately warm weather. Spring and autumn crops generally produce tender leaves with a more balanced flavour than plants grown through prolonged summer heat.

Spring Planting

Leaf chicory can be direct sown once garden soil becomes workable and temperatures are suitable for germination.

In Southern Ontario, late April through May is a useful general planting window. In colder regions, sowing may need to wait until May or early June.

Although established chicory tolerates some frost, prolonged cold exposure during early growth can encourage premature flowering in susceptible varieties.

Summer Planting for Autumn Harvest

For autumn greens, sow leafy chicory during midsummer, allowing sufficient time for plants to establish before cold weather arrives.

In Southern Ontario, July through early August is generally suitable for many leafy varieties. Larger Catalogna plants may benefit from earlier sowing.

During hot summer weather, keep the seedbed consistently moist and protect emerging seedlings from excessive drying.

Planting Root Chicory

Root chicory is usually direct sown in spring. Most varieties require approximately 90–120 days or longer to develop substantial roots.

Allow sufficient time for roots to mature before the soil freezes in autumn.

Canadian Chicory Planting Calendar

These dates are approximate and primarily intended for leafy chicory. Adjust for local frost dates, soil conditions, and the maturity period of your chosen variety.

How to Direct Sow Chicory Seeds Outdoors

Direct sowing is an excellent method for growing Catalogna and other leafy chicory varieties. It is especially recommended for root chicory because transplanting can disturb the developing taproot.

1. Choose a location: Select a sunny garden bed with fertile, well-drained soil.
2. Prepare the soil: Loosen the upper 20–25 cm (8–10 inches), removing weeds and large clumps. Prepare deeper soil for root chicory.
3. Add compost: Incorporate finished compost where needed to improve fertility and moisture retention.
4. Sow seeds: Plant approximately 0.5–1 cm (¼–½ inch) deep.
5. Initial spacing: Sow seeds approximately 3–5 cm (1–2 inches) apart.
6. Space rows: Leave 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) between rows.
7. Water gently: Keep the seedbed evenly moist until germination.
8. Thin seedlings: Thin leafy chicory to approximately 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) apart. Root varieties generally require 10–15 cm (4–6 inches).

For baby-leaf harvesting, plants may be grown closer together and harvested before reaching full size.

Chicory Seed Germination

Chicory seeds generally germinate within approximately 5–14 days under favourable conditions. Soil temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) encourage reliable germination.

Tips for Successful Germination

• Use fresh, high-quality seeds.
• Sow approximately 0.5–1 cm (¼–½ inch) deep.
• Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging.
• Avoid allowing the soil surface to dry completely.
• Keep the seedbed free from competing weeds.
• Thin seedlings once true leaves develop.

Why Aren't My Chicory Seeds Germinating?

Common causes include dry soil, excessive planting depth, old seeds, unsuitable temperatures, and overly wet growing conditions.

When sowing during midsummer, monitor moisture carefully. Shallowly planted seeds can dry out quickly during hot weather.

Starting Chicory Seeds Indoors

Leaf chicory can be started indoors approximately 4–6 weeks before transplanting. Indoor starting is useful in shorter-season Canadian regions and for autumn crops when outdoor soil is too warm for reliable germination.

1. Fill individual seed cells with moist, well-draining seed-starting mix.
2. Sow seeds approximately 0.5–1 cm (¼–½ inch) deep.
3. Maintain temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F).
4. Keep the growing medium evenly moist.
5. After germination, provide approximately 14–16 hours of strong light daily using suitable grow lights.
6. Thin to one healthy seedling per cell.
7. Transplant while seedlings are young and before roots become crowded.

Root chicory is generally better direct sown to avoid disturbing its developing taproot.

Hardening Off and Transplanting Chicory

Before transplanting, gradually harden off indoor-grown seedlings over approximately 7–10 days.

Begin with short periods outdoors in a sheltered location and gradually increase exposure to sunlight, wind, and outdoor temperatures.

Avoid prolonged cold exposure during hardening off, as susceptible chicory varieties may respond by flowering prematurely.

How to Transplant Leaf Chicory

1. Choose a cloudy day or transplant in the late afternoon.
2. Water seedlings before removing them from their containers.
3. Prepare planting holes approximately 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) apart.
4. Carefully remove seedlings while keeping the root balls intact.
5. Plant at approximately the same depth as in their containers.
6. Firm the soil gently around the roots.
7. Water thoroughly and maintain consistent moisture during establishment.

Soil, Sunlight, and Fertilizing Requirements

Soil

Chicory grows best in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of approximately 6.0–7.5.

Before planting, incorporate finished compost where needed to improve soil structure and moisture retention.

For root chicory, loosen the soil deeply and remove stones that could interfere with taproot development.

Sunlight

Provide approximately 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Leaf chicory tolerates light afternoon shade during hot weather, although excessive shade can slow growth.

Fertilizing

Leaf chicory benefits from adequate nitrogen to support healthy foliage. Where soil fertility is low, apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer according to soil test recommendations or product instructions.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, particularly when growing root chicory, because it can encourage foliage growth at the expense of root development.

Watering and Mulching Chicory

Consistent moisture encourages tender leaves, healthy root development, and steady growth.

As a general starting point, provide approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water weekly from rainfall and irrigation combined. Adjust for weather, soil type, and plant growth.

Water deeply enough to moisten the root zone rather than repeatedly wetting only the surface.

Apply a light layer of clean straw or shredded-leaf mulch around established plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperatures.

Keep mulch slightly away from plant crowns to reduce moisture-related problems.

Caribou Growing Note: Cooler Weather Improves Leaf Quality

Chicory naturally has a pleasantly bitter flavour, but hot weather and drought can make mature leaves noticeably stronger. For tender Catalogna greens, maintain consistent moisture and plan an autumn planting when temperatures are cooler.

How to Prevent Chicory from Bolting

Bolting occurs when chicory begins producing a flowering stalk. Although flowering is part of the plant's natural life cycle, premature bolting can reduce leaf tenderness and root quality.

Common Causes of Bolting

• Prolonged cold exposure: Low temperatures during early growth can trigger flowering in susceptible varieties.
• Heat and drought: Hot, dry conditions increase plant stress and can reduce leaf quality.
• Plant maturity: Older plants naturally become more likely to flower.
• Variety sensitivity: Different chicory types respond differently to temperature and day length.
• Transplant stress: Root disturbance or overcrowded seedlings can interfere with healthy growth.

How to Reduce Bolting

1. Choose varieties suited to your growing season.
2. Avoid prolonged cold exposure during early growth.
3. Maintain consistent soil moisture.
4. Provide adequate spacing and fertile soil.
5. Harvest leafy varieties regularly.
6. Grow autumn crops when temperatures are cooler.
7. Harvest root chicory before flowering reduces root quality.

If a leafy chicory plant begins developing a tall central flower stalk, harvest usable leaves promptly. Flowering plants often develop tougher, more bitter foliage.

Growing Chicory in Raised Beds and Containers

Raised Beds

Leaf chicory grows well in raised beds with fertile, well-drained soil. Space mature plants approximately 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) apart.

Raised beds are particularly useful for managing soil drainage and maintaining a consistent growing environment.

Containers

Choose containers at least 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) deep with adequate drainage holes.

Use quality potting mix and provide enough room for mature foliage. Container-grown chicory may require more frequent watering during warm weather.

Root chicory generally performs better in deeper garden soil or unusually deep containers that accommodate its long taproot.

Common Chicory Pests and Diseases

Common Chicory Growing Problems

Why Is My Chicory So Bitter?

Chicory naturally contains bitter compounds. Hot weather, drought, and increasing leaf maturity can intensify the flavour.

Harvest younger leaves, maintain steady moisture, and grow autumn crops for a milder flavour. Blanching leaves before cooking can also reduce bitterness.

Why Are My Chicory Leaves Yellow?

Yellowing may result from nutrient deficiencies, inconsistent watering, poor root health, or natural aging of older leaves.

Inspect soil moisture and plant condition before applying fertilizer.

Why Is My Chicory Growing Slowly?

Slow growth may result from poor fertility, overcrowding, insufficient sunlight, cool soil, or inconsistent moisture.

Why Are My Chicory Leaves Tough?

Leaves may become tougher as plants mature or when exposed to heat and drought. Harvest promptly and maintain consistent growing conditions.

Why Are My Chicory Roots Forked?

Root chicory may develop misshapen or forked roots in compacted, stony soil or after transplant disturbance. Direct sow into deep, loose soil for better root development.

Growing Chicory for an Autumn Harvest

Autumn is one of the best seasons for harvesting Catalogna and other leafy chicory varieties in Canada.

Cooler temperatures often improve leaf tenderness and moderate the naturally bitter flavour.

Tips for a Successful Autumn Crop

1. Choose a leafy variety suited to your climate.
2. Calculate sowing dates using the expected first hard frost.
3. Sow in early to midsummer, depending on your region.
4. Keep the seedbed moist during hot weather.
5. Thin seedlings promptly.
6. Use lightweight row covers when cold protection is needed.
7. Harvest leaves before prolonged hard freezing.

Established chicory tolerates some frost, but repeated hard freezes can damage foliage, particularly when plants are unprotected.

Caribou Growing Note: Make Room for Autumn Greens

Catalogna chicory is an excellent follow-up crop after early vegetables have been harvested. Sow during summer to establish healthy plants for fresh autumn greens when many other garden crops are finishing.

When and How to Harvest Chicory

Harvesting Baby Chicory Leaves

Baby leaves can often be harvested approximately 30–45 days after sowing, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Use clean scissors to cut tender leaves when they reach approximately 8–12 cm (3–5 inches) long.

For suitable leafy varieties, leave the growing crown intact to encourage additional harvests.

Harvesting Mature Catalogna Chicory

Mature leafy chicory is generally ready approximately 50–80 days after sowing, depending on the variety.

Harvest individual outer leaves as needed, allowing younger central leaves to continue developing.

Alternatively, cut the entire leafy plant near soil level for a larger harvest.

Catalogna is commonly harvested when its long green leaves and pale ribs have reached a suitable size for cooking.

Harvesting Puntarelle

Specific puntarelle varieties produce thick, tender central shoots that can be harvested once well developed.

Remove surrounding leaves as needed to expose the shoots. Puntarelle can be sliced thinly for salads or lightly cooked.

Harvesting Chicory Roots

Root chicory generally requires approximately 90–120 days or longer to develop harvestable roots.

1. Wait until roots have reached a suitable size.
2. Loosen the surrounding soil with a garden fork.
3. Lift roots carefully to avoid breaking the taproot.
4. Remove excess soil and trim foliage.
5. Wash roots before culinary preparation or process according to their intended use.

Use varieties specifically intended for culinary root production when growing chicory for roasted root preparations.

How to Store and Preserve Chicory

Refrigerator Storage

Fresh chicory leaves are best used soon after harvesting.

1. Remove damaged or yellowing leaves.
2. Avoid washing before storage unless necessary.
3. Place leaves in a perforated produce bag or suitable container.
4. Store in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer.
5. Use within approximately 3–7 days for the best flavour and texture.

Freezing Chicory Greens

Chicory greens can be frozen for use in cooked dishes.

1. Wash leaves thoroughly.
2. Remove damaged or tough portions.
3. Blanch tender leaves in boiling water for approximately two minutes.
4. Cool immediately in ice water.
5. Drain thoroughly and remove excess moisture.
6. Pack into freezer-safe containers and freeze promptly.

Frozen chicory is best used in soups, stews, and sautéed dishes because freezing changes the texture of the leaves.

Storing Chicory Roots

Healthy chicory roots can be stored in cool, humid conditions after harvesting.

Remove excess soil, trim foliage, and keep roots from drying out or becoming waterlogged.

Roots intended for forcing or roasting may require different handling depending on the variety.

How to Use Chicory in the Kitchen

Chicory's pleasantly bitter flavour complements garlic, olive oil, beans, citrus, and rich savoury dishes.

Young leaves can be used raw in salads, while mature Catalogna leaves are especially good sautéed, braised, or added to soups.

For a milder flavour, blanch mature leaves briefly before cooking.

Puntarelle shoots are traditionally used in Italian salads, while root chicory is commonly dried and roasted for specialty beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Chicory

Can you grow chicory in Canada?

Yes. Chicory grows successfully in many Canadian regions, particularly during spring and autumn.

Is chicory easy to grow from seed?

Leaf chicory is generally easy to moderately challenging. Root chicory requires more attention to soil depth and growing time.

When should I plant chicory in Ontario?

In Southern Ontario, leaf chicory can generally be planted in late April or May and again in July through early August for autumn harvesting.

How long does chicory take to grow?

Baby leaves may be ready in approximately 30–45 days, mature leafy varieties in 50–80 days, and root chicory in 90–120 days or longer.

How deep should I plant chicory seeds?

Sow seeds approximately 0.5–1 cm (¼–½ inch) deep.

How long do chicory seeds take to germinate?

Seeds generally germinate within approximately 5–14 days under favourable conditions.

Should chicory be direct sown or started indoors?

Leaf chicory can be grown using either method. Root chicory is generally better direct sown.

How far apart should chicory plants be?

Space mature leafy varieties approximately 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) apart and root chicory approximately 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) apart.

Does chicory need full sun?

Yes. Chicory grows best with approximately 6–8 hours of sunlight daily, although leafy varieties tolerate some afternoon shade.

Can chicory grow in containers?

Yes. Leaf chicory grows well in containers approximately 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) deep or larger.

Why is my chicory bitter?

Chicory naturally has a bitter flavour. Heat, drought, and leaf maturity can intensify bitterness.

Why is my chicory bolting?

Premature flowering can result from prolonged cold exposure during early growth, environmental stress, maturity, or variety sensitivity.

Can chicory tolerate frost?

Established chicory tolerates some frost, although prolonged hard freezing may damage foliage.

Can chicory be harvested more than once?

Yes. Many leafy varieties produce additional growth when outer leaves are harvested or plants are cut above the growing crown.

What is Catalogna chicory?

Catalogna is a leafy chicory type with long green leaves and prominent pale ribs, commonly used as a cooking green in Italian cuisine.

What is puntarelle?

Puntarelle refers to tender inner shoots produced by certain Catalogna-type chicory varieties.

Is chicory the same as radicchio?

Radicchio is a cultivated type of chicory generally grown for its colourful heads. Catalogna is grown for its long green leaves.

Is chicory the same as endive?

Not exactly. True endive is generally Cichorium endivia, while chicory is Cichorium intybus. Belgian endive, however, is produced from forced witloof chicory.

Can chicory be grown for autumn harvests?

Yes. Leaf chicory is particularly well suited to autumn harvesting in Canada.

Can chicory roots be eaten?

Yes. Root chicory varieties are grown for their edible roots, which may be dried and roasted for specialty beverages.

Grow Catalogna Chicory from Seed Today

Catalogna chicory is a rewarding vegetable for Canadian gardeners who enjoy traditional cooking greens with distinctive flavour.

For the best results, grow chicory during spring or autumn, maintain consistent moisture, provide fertile soil, and harvest leaves while tender.

Featured Chicory Seeds

Catalogna Chicory Seeds Grow traditional Italian cooking greens with long, serrated leaves and pale ribs. Ideal for spring and autumn harvests in Canadian vegetable gardens.

Download | How to Grow Chicory in Canada | Complete Growing Guide (PDF)

See You in the Garden!