Dwarf Chicory Plant Care

Dwarf Chicory (Cichorium pumilum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Cichorium genus. Dwarf Chicory is also known as Cichorium endivia, Cichorium intybus.

Dwarf Chicory displays an upright, leafy growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Dwarf Chicory produces bright blue, daisy-like flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dwarf Chicory every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Dwarf Chicory thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cichorium pumilum tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Dwarf Chicory prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Dwarf Chicory to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dwarf Chicory every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile loamy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dwarf Chicory is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Dwarf Chicory can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Dwarf Chicory while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Dwarf Chicory is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Dwarf Chicory can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to endive plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Dwarf Chicory is susceptible to aphids, flea beetles, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Dwarf Chicory grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Dwarf Chicory as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.