Planting instructions:

Sowing: Direct sow blue chicory seeds in early spring, planting the seed 1/4" deep in loose soil; keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which should occur in 10-14 days.

Growing: This blue chicory plant grows best in rich soil, but also adapts well to poor soil. As the seedlings develop, make sure to remove all weeds and keep the soil consistently moist. Mature plants tolerate drought well. We cannot sell this seed to customers in CO or SD.

Harvesting: Cut young, tender leaves for fresh greens; do not freeze or dry them, since this deprives them of all flavor. They can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. The root can be harvested any time after four months of growth, but before the ground freezes.

Seed Saving: Allow the flowers to dry on the plant and develop into seed heads; the mature seed in the heads will be hard and brown. Remove the heads and spread them out for several days to dry completely. Crush the seed heads to remove the seed, and separate the seed from the chaff. Store blue chicory seeds in a cool, dry place.

Common Names: Blue Sailors, Coffeeweed, Succory, Witloof, Belgian Endive, French Endive

Latin Name: Cichorium intybus

Species Origin: Central Europe

Type: Garden Flowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast