Italian Dandelion | Cichorium intybus | Heirloom Bitter Green | Fast Growing & Nutritious | Non-GMO | 100 Seeds

Italian Dandelion (Cichorium intybus) – Heirloom Bitter Green | Fast Growing & Nutritious | Non-GMO – 100 Seeds
Don’t let the name fool you—Italian Dandelion isn’t a true dandelion, but a leafy chicory prized in Italian cooking for its bold, bitter greens. With long, serrated leaves and a rich, earthy flavor, it’s a favorite in early spring salads, sautés, and braised dishes. A powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, it grows quickly and performs well in both garden beds and containers.

This easy-to-grow green is cold hardy, heat tolerant, and a beautiful addition to edible landscapes. Harvest young for tender leaves or allow to mature for deeper flavor and height.

Seed Packet Info:

- Botanical Name: Cichorium intybus

- Skill Level: Easy – Great for spring and fall plantings

- Pollinator Friendly:
• Attracts bees when allowed to flower
• Supports beneficial insects and natural biodiversity

Planting & Care:

- Light: Full sun to part shade

- Plant Height: 8–18 inches

- Spacing: 8–12" apart

- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy

- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter

- Frost Tolerance: Hardy biennial often grown as an annual; tolerates light frost

To Start:

- Zones 3–6: Sow in spring or late summer for fall harvest

- Zones 7–10: Best grown in fall and winter to avoid bitterness from heat

- Zones 11–12: Sow in cooler months; partial shade recommended in warm seasons

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. Harvest baby leaves at 4–6 inches, or let mature for full-size bunches. Cut outer leaves to allow regrowth.