Chicory

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a perennial herb that is highly valued for its deep taproot, nutrient-rich leaves, and ability to improve soil health. It is widely used for forage, wildlife food plots, and as a cover crop. Chicory is especially attractive to deer, turkey, and other wildlife because of its high protein content and year-round forage potential.

Benefits for Wildlife

✔ High in protein (up to 20%), making it a nutritious food source for deer, turkey, rabbits, and other small game.
✔ Attracts pollinators like bees due to its flowers.
✔ Provides summer and fall forage, especially valuable when other food sources are scarce.
✔ Perennial crop that can last for several years with proper maintenance.
✔ Improves soil health by breaking compacted soil layers with its deep roots.

Planting Guidelines

• Planting Times:

  • Spring (April–June): Ideal planting time when soil temperatures reach 50–65°F.
  • Late Summer (August–September): Can also be planted late in the growing season for fall and winter forage.

• Seeding Depth:

  • ¼ to ½ inch deep, as chicory needs good soil contact for proper germination.

• Seeding Rates:

  • Drilled: 4–8 lbs per acre for more uniform establishment.
  • Broadcast: 8–10 lbs per acre, followed by light dragging or cultipacking for better seed-to-soil contact.

• Days to Maturity:

  • 70–90 days to maturity, with some varieties reaching full leaf production in the first season.

• Drought Tolerance:

  • High – Chicory has a deep taproot, allowing it to access water from deeper soil layers, making it highly drought-tolerant once established.

• Saturated Soil Tolerance:

  • Low to Moderate – Prefers well-drained soils and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

• Shade Tolerance:

  • Low to Moderate – Prefers full sun for optimal growth but can tolerate partial shade in some cases.

Fertilization Guidelines for Chicory

• Soil pH: Prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0–7.0.
• Nitrogen (N): Does not need excessive nitrogen but benefits from 20–40 lbs N per acre to support early growth.
• Phosphorus (P): 40–60 lbs P₂O₅ per acre, based on soil test results, for root development and early growth.
• Potassium (K): 40–60 lbs K₂O per acre, especially if soil potassium is low.

Fertilization Timing:

• Apply phosphorus and potassium before planting, based on soil test results.
• For established stands, consider top-dressing with nitrogen in early spring for better production.

Herbicide Use for Chicory

• Weed Management:

  • Chicory can be susceptible to weed competition in early growth stages, so proper weed control is important for establishment.

• Herbicide Options for Chicory:

  • Pre-emergence herbicides like Prowl (Pendimethalin) or Sencor (Metribuzin) can be used to control grass and broadleaf weeds before germination.
  • Post-emergence herbicides like 2,4-D may be used to control broadleaf weeds, but caution should be taken when chicory is young.

Key Considerations:

• Use herbicides carefully since chicory is sensitive to certain chemicals.
• Follow recommended herbicide application rates and timing to avoid crop injury.