Cichorium intybus 'alba' (Chicory White) Herb Plant

Cichorium intybus 'alba' (Chicory 'White') Herb in 1 Litre Pot

White chicory, Cichorium intybus alba,  is a bushy perennial herbaceous plant with white flowers. Growing wild as a plant on roadsides in its native Europe, and in North America and Australia, where it has become naturalized, Chicory has numerous uses when grown commercially.

Growing  up to 1.5m tall, this hardy plant prefers rich but well-drained soil, preferably in an open, sunny position. Seed sown indoors in spring and then planted out (preferably with some support e.g. trellis/fencing) will provide the best start, allowing the beautiful white dandelion-like flowers to shine in mid-summer through to autumn, the star-like flowers close after lunch and are best enjoyed in the morning. This is an insect-friendly plant which gives bees and other insects easy access to nectar and pollen.

 "Chicory" is also the common name in the United States for curly endive (Cichorium endivia), and these two closely related species are often confused.

Herb Usage

Various varieties are cultivated for salad leaves, chicons (blanched buds), or for roots (var. sativum), which are baked, ground, and used as a coffee substitute and additive. It is also grown as a crop for livestock.

Buy Chicory 'White' Online

Our Potted Chicory 'White' herb plants are usually available to buy online between March to September