Chicory & endive
Cichorium intybus
Botanical family: Asteraceae
Cichorium intybus (wild, forcing and sugarloaf chicories) and C. endivia (escarole, frisée), Asteraceae with bitter leaves. The endive (chicon) is obtained by forcing the root in the dark. Sources: Tela Botanica, “Cichorium intybus L.” (Coste's flora); Plants For A Future, “Cichorium intybus” and “Cichorium endivia”.
Sun to partial shade
Deep, cool, loosened
Regular (excessive bitterness often comes from lack of water)
Hardy: many chicories overwinter in the garden
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
A vast group of bitter autumn and winter salads, escaroles and frisées, forcing chicories such as endive/chicon and sugarloaf. Hardy, they spread the harvest to the heart of winter and, left to bolt, offer pollinators lovely much-visited blue flowers. Wild chicory also provides a roasted root, a traditional coffee substitute.
Good companions
Traditional companion planting (benefit not demonstrated)
Seasons & availability
Bitter salads and chicons from September to April, chicons being forced all winter.
Available: January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Chicory » (rhs.org.uk/vegetables/chicory/grow-your-own)
- La Ferme de Sainte Marthe, « Réussir la culture de la chicorée » (fermedesaintemarthe.com/en/blogs/comment-reussir-la-culture-de/reussir-la-culture-de-la-chicoree)
- Interfel, « Endive : Présentation, disponibilité, conservation » (lesfruitsetlegumesfrais.com/fruits-legumes/salades/endive)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
No notable particularity; the bitterness is attenuated by blanching (endives forced in darkness).
Family behaviour: Asteraceae
In general, Asteraceae are a family rich in flowers appreciated by pollinators and beneficials (pot marigold, yarrow, chamomile). It is very scattered, from the mildest lettuce to the allelopathic sunflower.
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Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Species
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers sun to partial shade exposure.
- • Ideal soil: deep, cool, loosened.
- • Classic companion: Carrot.