Chicory (Cichorium pumilum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Chicory on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
About Chicory
Cichorium pumilum, also known as Dwarf Chicory or Wild Endive, is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It features basal rosetted leaves, often lobed or toothed, and branched flower stalks with small, light blue or lilac ligulate flowers. It is ideal for naturalistic gardens, path borders, or as part of a Mediterranean meadow, adding a wild and rustic touch.
Native range
Mediterranean region
Care tips
It thrives in full sun exposure for optimal growth and abundant flowering. This plant is drought-tolerant once established, so watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings. It adapts well to poor, calcareous, and well-drained soils, although it tolerates a wide range of conditions. Avoid waterlogging, as it is the most common mistake that can lead to root rot in this species.
How to save a dying Chicory
- Warning signs
- Wilted or yellowing leaves, slow or no growth, flowers not opening or falling off.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture, repot to a larger container if root-bound, or move to full sun if in shade.
- What kills it
- Prolonged lack of direct sunlight, waterlogged or very nutrient-poor soil, or extreme drought.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's quite resilient. Act quickly to correct the issue for a good chance of recovery.