Chicory is a persistent leafy herb typically with a lifetime of 2–3 years. It has a large tap root which can extract moisture from great depths. It performs best in fertile, free-draining soils in regions that receive more than 550 mm per annum. It has potential for high dry matter yields of excellent quality with most growth taking place through the warmer months.

 

Known as a forage herb or forb, it has recently become a regular component of dairy pastures either as pure stands or as part of mixed swards. On many farms the forage herbs are planted in a mixture with grass and clover species.