Chicory is a cool-season perennial herb that grows long, broad leaves that resemble those of dandelion or common plantain. It produces abundant spring and summer forage that is highly preferred by deer. When managed properly, the nutritional value of chicory can be higher than that of alfalfa. Protein content of young plants can be as high as 32% and the leaves are between 90% and 95% digestible. A properly maintained chicory stand can last up to seven years.
Chicory an important summer forage
Chicory develops a deep taproot so it is very tolerant of drought and will stay green and palatable in summer, a time when other cool-season forages such as clovers decline in quality. Best growth is achieved on well drained to moderately drained soils with medium to high fertility. It will tolerate pH as low as 4.5 but grows best when pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.
Plant chicory in spring
Chicory is best planted in the spring. It can be planted in late summer or early fall, but cool fall temperatures will slow the establishment of young plants and make them susceptible to winter kill. Spring and early summer plantings of chicory will survive cold winter temperatures in northern regions of the US.
Mow chicory periodically
Chicory will grow very quickly and outgrow most weeds. It should be mowed periodically to prevent the plant from developing flower stalks taller than 6 to 10 inches in height. These stalks are low in quality and will result in an overall decrease in the amount of forage the plants produce. If the deer aren't keeping the chicory down, mow about once every 25 days.
Plant chicory with other forages
Currently, the only varieties of "forage" chicory available for planting in the US is Puna or Timaru. It can be planted alone but it is most beneficial to deer when it is planted in combination with cool-season legumes such as clovers or birdsfoot trefoil. The legumes will provide an additional forage to deer, as well as supply nitrogen to the chicory. An annual cereal grain or annual ryegrass is often planted with chicory to serve as a nurse crop and take the grazing pressure off of young chicory. After chicory is established, moderate to heavy grazing will stimulate it to produce abundant, nutritious forage.
Suggested forages mixtures with chicory
The following are some examples of suitable forage mixtures that include chicory:
chicory, red clover, ladino clover, and either winter wheat, winter rye or oats
chicory, red clover, ladino clover, and annual ryegrass or perennial ryegrass (birdsfoot trefoil would be a good addition to either of the above mixtures on poor quality soils, or just to provide an additional forage choice to deer)
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