Native to Europe and introduced into the United States late in the 19th century, chicory is cultivated extensively in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany and to some extent in North America. Its leaves are eaten as a vegetable or in a salad, and the roots may be boiled and eaten with butter.

Where does chicory grow best?

Chicory grows best in temperatures between 45 and 75 degrees, so it does well in cooler climates. Chicory requires attentive weeding and well-drained soil. To retain moisture, add mulch around the plants.

Where is chicory grown in the US?

Commercially, chicory is grown and harvested in France, South Africa and Nebraska in the United States, where they're uprooted like sugar beets. Aside from as a coffee substitute, the leaves may be cut for salads or used as feedstock, while the ground root can serve as a sugar substitute due to its sweetness.