Forages & Cover Crops ·Growing Guide
Chicory
Cichorium intybus
ChicoryForages & Cover CropsLow Maintenance
The mineral miner of the pasture world. Chicory's 10-18 inch taproot accesses calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and other minerals from deep soil layers that grass roots can't reach, concentrating them in leaves that livestock and wildlife consume. Forage chicory varieties (like Puna, Choice, and Oasis) have been selected for high leaf produc...
Shop Wicked Tuff Turf →Overview
About Chicory
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a deep-rooted perennial forb that's been transforming pasture and food plot management since forage varieties were developed in New Zealand in the 1980s. Unlike most forbs (broadleaf plants), chicory has been specifically bred for livestock and wildlife forage—producing large, palatable leaves with 18-25% crude protein and very low fiber (high digestibility).
Chicory's deep taproot provides three critical functions: drought access (10-18 inches of root depth means chicory stays green when grass goes dormant in summer), mineral mining (concentrates deep-soil minerals in leaf tissue—livestock consuming chicory have improved mineral status), and natural anthelmintic properties (chicory contains condensed tannins and sesquiterpene lactones that reduce internal parasite loads in grazing livestock).
The anti-parasitic property is increasingly recognized. Research shows that livestock grazing chicory-rich pastures carry significantly lower worm burdens than those on grass-only pastures. This reduces the need for chemical dewormers—a major benefit for organic and sustainable livestock operations.
Chicory is perennial (3-5 year stand life) and regrows aggressively after grazing. Its summer growth peak complements cool-season grasses that peak in spring and fall.
Chicory's deep taproot provides three critical functions: drought access (10-18 inches of root depth means chicory stays green when grass goes dormant in summer), mineral mining (concentrates deep-soil minerals in leaf tissue—livestock consuming chicory have improved mineral status), and natural anthelmintic properties (chicory contains condensed tannins and sesquiterpene lactones that reduce internal parasite loads in grazing livestock).
The anti-parasitic property is increasingly recognized. Research shows that livestock grazing chicory-rich pastures carry significantly lower worm burdens than those on grass-only pastures. This reduces the need for chemical dewormers—a major benefit for organic and sustainable livestock operations.
Chicory is perennial (3-5 year stand life) and regrows aggressively after grazing. Its summer growth peak complements cool-season grasses that peak in spring and fall.
Fit
Where It Shines
Best for
- Summer food plots for deer (top-choice warm-season forage)
- Livestock pasture improvement (mineral mining, anti-parasitic)
- Drought-prone pastures (deep taproot stays green in summer)
- Organic livestock operations (natural deworming properties)
- Mixed pasture with grasses and clovers for year-round grazing
- Wildlife habitat enhancement
- Homestead multi-species grazing
Not ideal for
- Lawns or turf (grows tall with flower stalks in year two)
- Hay production (dries poorly; best grazed)
- Permanent stands without management (flower stalks become woody)
- Dense shade
- Wet, waterlogged soils (taproot needs drainage)
- Stand-alone turf or lawn aesthetics
From Seed to Stand
Establishment & Growth
Germination
Days 5-7: First seedlings emerge with distinctive elongated cotyledons. Days 7-14: Rosette of toothed, dandelion-like leaves develops. Moderate establishment speed.
Growth Habit
Perennial forb. Deep taproot (10-18 inches). Rosette growth in establishment year. Upright stems with blue flowers in subsequent years (2-4 feet). Regrows vigorously after grazing.
Establishment Timeline
Emergence: 5-7 days. First grazing: 60-90 days. Blue flowers: year two (June-August). Productive stand: 3-5 years.
Rates & Care
Seeding & Maintenance
| Seeding rate (new) | 4-6 lbs per acre (pure stand); 1-3 lbs per acre (in mixes); 0.1 lbs per 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Overseeding rate | 2-4 lbs per acre |
| Soil temp to germinate | 50°F |
| Mowing height | Not typically mowed; grazed rotationally. For food plots, allow to reach 8-12 inches before grazing. |
| Minimum mow height | 3 inches (leave crown intact for regrowth) |
| First mow | Graze when rosettes reach 8-12 inches (typically 60-90 days from spring planting) |
| Soil pH | 5.5-7.5 |
| Soil preference | Adaptable. Performs across most soil types. Deep taproot handles dry, rocky, and poor conditions that stress grasses. |
| Nitrogen needs | 40-60 lbs N per acre (moderate; does not fix nitrogen but deep roots mine minerals) |
Conditions
Tolerances
SunFull sun (6-8+ hours)
ShadePoor to Moderate
DroughtExcellent (deep taproot accesses moisture unavailable to grasses)
TrafficLow to Moderate
ColdGood
HeatGood to Excellent
Hardiness Zones3-8
Step by Step
How to Sow
1
Step 1: Prep
Plant April-May or August; prep clean bed
2
Step 2: Fertilize
Apply starter fertilizer with phosphorus
3
Step 3: Sow
Broadcast or drill at 4-6 lbs/acre (1-3 in mix)
4
Step 4: Contact
Plant 1/4" deep max; firm seedbed
5
Step 5: Water
Keep moist during germination
6
Step 6: Mow/Establish
Graze when 8-12" tall; mow woody flower stalks
Feeding & Timing
Fertilizing & Season
Fertilizer Recommendation
Apply 40-60 lbs N per acre annually. Chicory does not fix nitrogen but is an efficient user of applied N. Phosphorus and potassium based on soil test. Chicory's deep taproot accesses P and K from subsoil, but surface applications support top growth. Recommended: Wicked Growth balanced formula in spring.
Find the right Wicked fertilizer →Seasonal Planting
Spring planting (April-May) is standard for food plots and pasture improvement. Late summer planting (August) effective for establishment before winter. Chicory's perennial nature means one planting provides 3-5 years of production. In food plot mixes, chicory is typically planted with clover for a perennial multi-species plot.
In Context
How It Compares
Chicory vs. Clovers: Chicory peaks in summer when clover slows; clover fixes nitrogen while chicory mines minerals. Best planted together for year-round quality. Chicory vs. Turnip/Rape (in food plots): Chicory is perennial (3-5 years) while brassicas are annual; brassicas provide more fall/winter forage while chicory dominates summer. Chicory vs. Grasses: Chicory provides higher protein and minerals than any grass; grasses provide better ground cover and sod formation.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chicory and why is it planted as a forage crop?
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a deep-rooted perennial herb used as a high-quality livestock forage, deer food plot species, and soil-improving plant. Forage chicory contains 15-25% crude protein, higher mineral content than most grasses, and natural anthelmintic (deworming) compounds that reduce internal parasite loads in sheep, goats, and cattle. Its deep taproot (4-6+ feet) accesses moisture and minerals from subsoil, making it drought-tolerant and nutrient-dense.
What is Endure chicory?
Endure is an improved forage chicory variety developed for better persistence, leafier growth, and reduced bolting (premature flower stalk production) compared to common chicory. Endure produces more leaf material relative to stems, stays vegetative longer into the season, and maintains quality over multiple grazing cycles. It is the most widely recommended forage chicory variety for pasture, food plot, and multi-species grazing applications in the northeastern United States.
How long does forage chicory persist?
Forage chicory is a perennial that persists 3-7 years under proper grazing management. Stand life depends heavily on grazing practice—rotational grazing with 25-35 day rest periods maximizes persistence, while continuous close grazing depletes root reserves and shortens stand life to 2-3 years. Allow chicory to reach 8-10 inches before grazing and remove animals at 2-3 inches. Chicory also self-seeds when flower stalks are allowed to mature.
Does chicory help control internal parasites in livestock?
Yes. Research demonstrates that chicory contains condensed tannins and sesquiterpene lactones that reduce gastrointestinal nematode (internal parasite) loads in sheep, goats, and cattle. Studies show 30-60% reductions in fecal egg counts when animals graze chicory-containing pastures compared to grass-only pastures. Chicory does not replace chemical dewormers entirely but is a valuable component of integrated parasite management, particularly for organic and low-input livestock operations.
When should I plant chicory?
Plant chicory in spring (April-May) or late summer (August-September). Spring planting allows a full growing season for taproot development. Late summer planting must allow 6-8 weeks of establishment before frost. Chicory germinates in 7-14 days at soil temperatures above 50°F. Plant 0.125-0.25 inches deep—chicory seed is very small and must not be buried deeply. Seeding rate is 3-5 lbs per acre for pure stands, or 1-2 lbs per acre in mixes.
What soil conditions does chicory need?
Chicory grows in pH 5.5-7.5 on well-drained soils. Its deep taproot (4-6+ feet) makes it highly adaptable and drought-tolerant once established. Chicory performs on clay, loam, and sandy soils but does not tolerate waterlogged conditions or standing water. Moderate fertility is sufficient—chicory's deep roots mine phosphorus, potassium, and calcium from subsoil layers unavailable to shallow-rooted grasses, making it productive on soils where grasses struggle.
Can chicory be mixed with grass and clover in pastures?
Yes—chicory is most productive as a component of multi-species pastures rather than in pure stands. A proven combination is perennial ryegrass or orchardgrass (8-12 lbs/acre) + white clover (2-3 lbs/acre) + chicory (1-2 lbs/acre). The grass provides energy, clover provides nitrogen fixation, and chicory provides mineral nutrition and parasite-suppression benefits. Chicory typically comprises 10-20% of a mixed stand and fills a unique nutritional niche that grasses and legumes cannot.
