Cichorium intybus L.
Chicory
Chicory is a somewhat woody, perennial herbaceous plant typically known for its bright blue flowers. It is native to Europe and has been introduced to the Americas and Australia. The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall with lanceolate, unlobed leaves that range from 7.5 to 32 centimeters in length and 2 to 8 centimeters in width. The flower heads are 3 to 5 centimeters wide and usually light blue or lavender, though they can occasionally be white or pink. The plant flowers from March to October and is drought-tolerant, preferring limestone soils but adaptable to various conditions.
Details
Asterales
Asteraceae
Cichorium
The plant contains substances like lactucin and lactucopicrin, which contribute to its bitterness. Other components include aesculetin, aesculin, cichoriin, umbelliferone, scopoletin, 6,7-dihydrocoumarin, and further sesquiterpene lactones and their glycosides. The root contains up to 20% inulin, a polysaccharide similar to starch.
Chicory is cultivated for its salad leaves, chicons (blanched buds), and roots, which are used as a coffee substitute and food additive. Inulin, extracted from chicory root, is used in the food industry as a sweetener and source of dietary fiber. The plant is also grown as a forage crop for livestock due to its high digestibility and low fiber concentration. Traditional use includes the plant being listed among ingredients for Bach flower remedies.
March to October
Up to 1.5 meters
Light blue or lavender, occasionally white or pink
Roadsides, waste places, and other disturbed areas. It prefers limestone soils but tolerates a variety of conditions.
Info
Pannon Flora Ltd. was founded on December 13, 1999, by Gábor Janik, who retains 95% ownership. Janik holds an MSc in Horticulture from the University of Horticultural Sciences (1986) and an Advanced Professional English Certification from the College of International Trade (1990). The company specializes in bird feed production and export, primarily serving markets in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, alongside cultivating and distributing imported/exported horticultural seeds. It maintains exclusive partnerships with JOEUN Seed (South Korea) and Takii Europe (Japan), a leader in professional seed breeding and production. Pannon Flora collaborates with certification bodies such as NÉBIH (National Food Chain Safety Office), MERT Kontroll, and SGS Hungary to ensure compliance and quality. The company works with approximately 400 Hungarian growers, ranging from small-scale producers (under 5 hectares) to mid-sized farms and large-scale agricultural enterprises. This profile emphasizes agribusiness expertise, technical partnerships, and operational scalability tailored to international client needs.
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