Root Chicory Seeds – Cichorium intybus Heirloom Perennial for Drought-Tolerant Greens & Coffee-Style Roots

Heirloom - Non-GMO - Reliable Germination

$2.99 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size: 1 Packet

What Makes Survival Garden Seeds Different - non-GMO heirloom seeds

Root Chicory Seeds (Cichorium intybus) offer a hardy, drought-resistant heirloom perennial that produces nutrient-dense greens and robust roots. Well suited for small gardens, raised beds, and containers, this compact plant grows about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide with a bushy, manageable habit. Both the leaves and roots are highly versatile—fresh greens bring a slightly bitter, nutty depth to salads and cooked dishes, while the roots can be roasted and ground for a caffeine-free coffee substitute. Its resilience, productivity, and adaptability make Root Chicory a strong choice for gardeners focused on sustainability and consistent harvests.

Drought-Tolerant, Hardy, and Productive:

  • Heirloom perennial with excellent drought resistance for low-water gardens
  • Compact 2–3 foot growth habit fits well in containers, raised beds, or small spaces
  • Thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and moderate care
  • Ideal for gardeners seeking resilient crops in changing climates

Why Customers Love Root Chicory:

  • Produces abundant greens with a mildly bitter, nutty flavor
  • Roots can be roasted for caffeine-free beverages or blended with coffee or tea
  • Reliable yields throughout the growing season
  • Supportive of sustainable, self-sufficient gardening practices

How to Grow:
Sow seeds directly outdoors once the soil has warmed in spring, or start indoors and transplant when seedlings are sturdy. Choose a full-sun location with well-drained soil. Space plants to allow their mature 2–3 foot spread. Root Chicory is naturally drought-tolerant once established, requiring only occasional watering during long dry periods. Harvest young leaves for milder flavor or wait for mature foliage for a stronger, more traditional chicory taste. Allow roots to develop fully through the growing season for later harvest.

Harvest & Use:
Pick fresh leaves for salads, sautés, and mixed greens. Dug roots can be cleaned, chopped, roasted, and ground for a caffeine-free coffee alternative or added to tea and coffee blends for richness and aroma. Store harvested roots in a cool, dry location or roast immediately for best flavor.

Net Wt. 1G

Heirloom Vegetable Seeds

All of our seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO, heirloom varieties with tested germination rates

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Cichorium intybus
  • Planting Zones
    3-9
  • Light
    Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Soil Temp for Germination
    60-70 Degrees F
  • Germination Time
    4-14 Days
  • Planting Depth
    1/4 Inch
  • Plant Size
    12-8 Inches Tall, 6-8 Inch Spread
  • Days to Harvest
    120-150 Days
  • Growing Instructions
    Start Palla Rossa Chicory indoors 3-4 weeks ahead of time, or sow directly outdoors once soil can be worked. Keep soil surface below 75° and water evenly until germination. Harden seedlings by reducing water and temperature a few days before setting outdoors. Space seedlings 6-12" apart.
  • Seed Saving Instructions
    After flowers have dried and developed seed heads, wait for heads to become hard and brown. Remove and allow to dry for several days. Crush seed heads to remove seeds. Separate from chaff, label, and store in a cool, dry place.
  • Seed Count (approximate)
    648 to 750

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Why Choose Survival Garden Seeds

At Survival Garden Seeds, we believe in preparing today for tomorrow’s peace of mind. That’s why we offer only heirloom, non-GMO, and untreated seeds you can trust to nourish your family and support a sustainable lifestyle. As a family-owned American company, we’re committed to providing seeds that grow strong and true—helping you cultivate health, resilience, and beauty in your garden.

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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 treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our farmer seeds. All of our garden seeds for sale 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.

In what zones can I grow your seeds?

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 gardening 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 varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.