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Chicory Seeds

Chicory seeds grow into a wide variety of versatile plants that have edible bitter leaves and roots. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, chicory is adaptable to many soil types but prefers well-drained, fertile ground. This hardy perennial is often grown as an annual. Its leaves and roots are used in salads or as a cooked green. Root chicory is useful for creating a popular herbal drink that can be used as a coffee substitute or blended with coffee. Grow your own chicory and explore various uses for the different types of chicory plants.
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Survival Garden Seeds offers a selection of chicory seeds for sale, perfect for adding a variety of nutritious, flavorful plants to your garden. Our heirloom seeds are selected for their strong germination and reliable growth into robust, healthy plants.

Growing Chicory Seeds in Your Garden

  • Bitter and edible leaves and roots
  • Enjoys full sun to partial shade
  • Non-GMO, heirloom seeds
  • Red chicory is also known as Italian dandelion

INTRODUCING CHICORY SEEDS

Chicory comes to our gardens with a long background of cultivation, mainly in Europe. It is regarded as extremely versatile. Chicory is beneficial to overall health as well. Its leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, and its roots contain inulin (a prebiotic fiber). These plants grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10. They’re resilient and capable of flourishing in poorer soil conditions.

PLANTING CHICORY SEEDS

Sow chicory seeds for planting directly into the garden space in spring or fall. Plant them according to the needs of your chosen variety, following the directions on the packet. Chicory seeds typically germinate within one to two weeks. To secure a continuous harvest of leafy vegetables, plant seeds in succession. This can be done every few weeks during the growing season.

MAINTAINING CHICORY PLANTS

Water the chicory plants regularly for tender leaves and healthy taproot development. Chicory likes fertile soil, so it benefits from the addition of organic matter in the form of compost, for example. As the plants mature, thin them out. They need about 6 inches apart, allowing room for growth. Chicory can be harvested by cutting the outer leaves or by pulling the entire plant for both the leaves and the root.

Survival Garden Seeds offers different options for growing this valuable vegetable. Fresh leaves for salads, cooked as a green, or roasted as a comforting hot beverage—chicory is an interesting plant for any garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques. You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds chemically treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our seeds. All of our garden seeds are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

Will your seeds grow in my USDA Hardiness zone?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these garden seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO, heirloom varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.

Learn more in the blog

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