How to Grow Chicory in New Zealand
A versatile bitter green. Roots can be dried and roasted as a coffee substitute, and witloof roots are forced in the dark to make pale chicons. In the north, treat it as an autumn and winter crop.
When to plant chicory in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best chicory varieties for NZ
- Witloof (Belgian Endive) — Grown for roots that are forced in the dark to make pale chicons. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
- Catalogna (Puntarelle) — Upright dandelion-like leaves and shoots, a bitter Italian favourite. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
How to grow chicory
- Space plants about 30cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 90 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow chicory near: Carrot, Beans.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids, Slugs, Snails. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Chicory plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant chicory in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy chicory seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds.