Chicory is a hardy perennial wildflower known for its tall stems and vibrant sky-blue flowers that open in the morning sun. Native to the UK and Europe, Chicory is a favourite in wildflower meadows, road verges, and conservation schemes due to its long flowering period and ability to thrive in poor, dry soils. It is particularly valued for its high nectar content, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the summer.

Its deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant and helps break up compacted soil, improving soil structure over time. This makes Chicory a dual-purpose species – a striking wildflower with ecological and environmental benefits. It works well in low-maintenance meadows, pollinator corridors, rewilding projects, and along sunny banks and slopes.

Features & Benefits
Beautiful sky-blue flowers on tall, upright stems
Excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and hoverflies
Drought-tolerant and ideal for poor soils
Improves soil structure with deep taproots
Suitable for wildflower meadows, verges, and rewilding

Latin Name:
Cichorium intybus

Flowering Time:
June – September

Flowering Height:
60 – 150 cm

Life Cycle:
Perennial

Wildflower Seed Approximate Sowing Rate:
4.5kg per acre (11.12kg per hectare)

Sowing Times:
Spring (March – May) or Autumn (September – October)

How to Sow & Preparation
Select a sunny site with well-drained or poor soil – ideal for Chicory.
Remove weeds and prepare a fine, crumbly soil surface (tilth).
Broadcast seeds evenly without burying deeply.
Firm seeds into the soil with a roller or by lightly treading.
Water gently during dry periods to help establishment.
Expect flowering from the second year onward as roots develop.

About John Chambers Wildflower Seeds
John Chambers Wildflower Seeds has supplied premium-quality native British wildflower seed for over 35 years. Recognised as a trusted partner for landscape architects, councils, gardeners, and contractors, the brand is committed to restoring biodiversity and supporting pollinator-friendly spaces across the UK. All seed is carefully sourced and selected for UK conditions, helping to create thriving natural landscapes with lasting ecological impact.

Latin Name | Cichorium intybus

Common Name | Chicory

Life Cycle | Perennial

Flowering Time | June – September

Flowering Height | 60 – 150 cm

Sowing Rate | 3.75kg per acre (9.26kg per hectare)

Sowing Period | Spring (March – May) or Autumn (September – October)

Preferred Conditions | Full sun, dry or poor soils, well-drained

Pollinator Friendly | Yes – attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies

Ideal For | Wildflower meadows, road verges, slopes, rewilding, soil improvement

Minimum Order Quantity | 10g