Chicory ‘Puna’ Green Manure Seeds
Botanical Name: Cichorium intybus
Chicory ‘Puna’ is a vigorous, deep-rooted perennial herb widely used in green manure mixes and perennial pastures. It excels at improving soil structure, drawing up minerals from subsoil layers, and boosting drought resilience. With high forage quality, it supports both soil health and grazing animals, making it ideal for regenerative farming, orchard interplanting, and rotational cropping systems.
- Develops deep taproots that penetrate compacted soils and improve drainage.
- High mineral content benefits grazing livestock and adds nutrients to the soil.
- Performs well in a wide range of soils, including dry, low-fertility ground.
- Encourages beneficial insects with tall flower stalks and extended bloom.
- Persists as a perennial under light grazing or periodic cutting.
Plant Details:
- Plant Type: Perennial forage herb
- Growth Height: 30–80 cm
- Frost Tolerance: Moderate to high
Sowing Information:
- Sow When:
Temperate: Autumn or Spring
Subtropical: Autumn–Winter
Tropical: Late wet season or early dry season
Cool: Spring–early Autumn
Arid: Autumn or after seasonal rain - Germination: 10–21 days
- Depth: Sow 0.5–1 cm deep
- Position: Full sun preferred
- Sow Where: Broadcast or drill into pasture, cover crop mixes, or beds
- Soil Type: Tolerates sandy, clay, and loam soils with good drainage
- Spacing: Broadcast at 0.5–1 g/m² or 2–4 kg/ha in mixes
When to Sow Chicory in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | Autumn or Spring | Best sown into moist soil; avoid frost-prone periods for establishment. |
| Subtropical | Autumn–Winter | Plant during the cooler months for best establishment and taproot development. |
| Tropical | Late wet or early dry season | Avoid waterlogged soils; allow roots to establish before dry season intensifies. |
| Cool | Spring–early Autumn | Responds well to warming soils and light rainfall during early establishment. |
| Arid | Autumn or after rain | Sow with rainfall forecast or irrigate to ensure consistent germination. |
Quick Growing Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Germination Time | 10–21 days |
| Sowing Depth | 0.5–1 cm |
| Watering | Keep soil moist during germination; drought-hardy once established |
| Growth Period | Establishes in 6–8 weeks; persists for 2–4+ years in pasture |
| Incorporation | Cut back or dig in before flowering to return nutrients and build organic matter |