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Chicory
Cichorium intybus
Other Names:
Wild Succory
Distribution:
Probably not a native as it may have been introduced from the
East in ancient times. However,
it is widely naturalised and common in the south of Britain
, particularly on chalky soils.
Habitat:
Found on grassland, roadsides and waste ground on dry alkaline
soil. Prefers a sunny site.
Description: Tall
perennial (height up to 1.5m) with bright blue flowers from July to
August.
Uses:
Chicory has long been used as a vegetable and animal fodder in
Europe
. A
distillation from the flowers has been used for dim sight and
inflammation of the eyes. Nowadays,
the fleshy roots are dried, roasted and ground so that they can be used
as a coffee substitute or added to other coffee to strengthen its’
flavour. The seeds have also
been sown with grass seeds as their long tap roots help break up the
soil.
Instructions for Sowing
Seed:
Sow seed in late
spring to early summer, approximately 1cm
deep and in situ - this will ensure plenty of leaves will be available
for picking from autumn until early winter.
Our
plants and seeds are of British origin.
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