Cichorium spinosum
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Compositae
- Genus
- Cichorium
- Life cycle
- biennial, perennial
- Height
- 0.18 m
- Fertility
- Bees
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees
Uses
Edible uses
Leaves - boiled[2].
- Plant part
- Leaves
Environment
- Range
- Europe - Mediterranean.
- Habitat
- Seashores in Greece[2].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 7+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind, maritime exposure
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cultivation
Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil[3]. Prefers a medium to light sandy or gravelly soil that is rich in humus[1]. Prefers a sunny position[3] but with light shade in the summer to prevent plants running to seed.
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Niebuhr. A. D. Herbs of Greece. Herb Society of America. 1970-00-00
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5