Photo: Agnieszka Kwiecień (Nova), CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Chicory: when and how to prune
Cichorium intybus
Chicory is best pruned in March and October.
| Pruning months | March and October |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Chicory: when to prune it?
Cut dry stems in borders in March; mow verges and meadows in October.
Chicory: how to prune it?
- In a border, leave the faded stems over winter for seed-eating birds and overwintering insects.
- Cut them back in March to just above the new rosette.
- On a verge or in a meadow: mow in October and remove the cuttings, so the soil stays poor.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and October. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.