4 Best Chicory Varieties for Long Term Food Plots That Thrive

Why it matters: You’re looking to establish a wildlife food plot that’ll keep deer and other game coming back season after season. Chicory delivers exceptional nutrition and impressive longevity that makes it a standout choice for hunters and wildlife managers.

The bottom line: The right chicory variety can transform your property into a wildlife magnet while requiring minimal replanting over multiple years.

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Common Chicory (Cichorium Intybus): The Hardy Perennial Champion

You’ll find common chicory stands out as the most reliable performer for long-term wildlife food plots. This versatile perennial delivers consistent results year after year with minimal maintenance.

Exceptional Drought Tolerance and Deep Root System

Common chicory’s taproot penetrates 4-6 feet deep, accessing moisture other plants can’t reach. You’ll watch this variety thrive through dry spells that kill off annual crops. Its extensive root network makes it nearly drought-proof once established, ensuring your wildlife food plot remains productive even during challenging weather conditions.

Multi-Season Grazing Benefits for Wildlife

Wildlife can graze common chicory from early spring through late fall, providing 6-8 months of quality forage. You’ll notice deer prefer the tender new growth, while the plant continuously produces fresh leaves throughout the growing season. This extended availability means consistent wildlife attraction without replanting costs or seasonal gaps in nutrition.

Soil Improvement Through Natural Aeration

The deep taproot system naturally breaks up compacted soil layers, improving water infiltration and nutrient cycling. You’ll see enhanced soil structure as the roots decompose, creating channels for air and water movement. This natural aeration reduces your need for mechanical tillage while building healthier soil for future plantings.

Puna II Chicory: The Premium Forage Specialist

Puna II chicory stands out as the Cadillac of chicory varieties for wildlife food plots. This New Zealand-developed cultivar delivers exceptional performance that justifies its premium price tag.

Superior Palatability for Deer and Other Game

Deer consistently choose Puna II over other chicory varieties when given options. The leaves stay tender and sweet longer than common chicory, creating a magnet effect that draws wildlife from significant distances. You’ll notice deer visiting your plots more frequently and staying longer to feed on this premium variety.

Extended Growing Season Performance

Puna II delivers 8-10 months of quality forage compared to common chicory’s 6-8 months. The variety maintains active growth well into late fall and resumes earlier in spring, extending your hunting season opportunities. This longer productive window makes the higher seed cost worthwhile for serious wildlife managers.

High Protein Content for Optimal Nutrition

Puna II consistently tests at 22-25% crude protein during peak growing periods. This protein level exceeds most agricultural crops and supports antler development and overall deer health better than standard varieties. The enhanced nutrition creates healthier wildlife populations that return to your plots year after year.

Choice Chicory: The Cold-Hardy Survivor

Choice chicory stands out as the most resilient variety for northern wildlife plots where harsh winters can destroy less hardy plantings.

Outstanding Winter Hardiness in Northern Climates

Choice chicory survives temperatures down to -20°F without winter kill, making it perfect for zones 3-4 where other varieties fail. You’ll find this variety maintains green forage even under snow cover, providing crucial late-season nutrition when deer need it most. Its exceptional cold tolerance means you won’t need costly reseeding after brutal winters.

Rapid Establishment and Early Season Growth

Choice chicory germinates quickly in cool soil conditions, establishing strong root systems within 30 days of planting. You’ll see first true leaves emerging in just 10-14 days, giving it a competitive advantage over weeds. This fast start translates to quality deer forage by mid-summer, even when planted as late as August.

Excellent Companion Plant Compatibility

Choice chicory plays well with clover and alfalfa, creating diverse food plot mixes that attract different wildlife species throughout the season. You can plant it alongside brassicas without competition issues, as its deep taproot occupies a different soil zone. This compatibility lets you build complex plots that provide year-round nutrition with minimal replanting requirements.

Oasis Chicory: The Low-Maintenance All-Star

Oasis chicory stands out as the perfect compromise between premium performance and practical simplicity. You’ll get consistent results without the premium price tag or specialized management requirements.

Minimal Input Requirements for Busy Land Managers

You’ll spend less time managing Oasis than any other chicory variety. It requires only basic soil preparation and establishes quickly with minimal fertilizer inputs. Once established, this variety thrives with little intervention, making it perfect for weekend land managers who can’t visit their plots regularly throughout the growing season.

Consistent Production Across Variable Conditions

Oasis delivers reliable forage production whether you’re dealing with sandy soils or clay hardpan. It maintains steady growth through both wet springs and dry summers, adapting to your local conditions rather than requiring perfect environments. You’ll see consistent deer activity from early summer through late fall, regardless of weather variations.

Disease Resistance and Longevity Advantages

You won’t lose entire stands to common chicory diseases like crown rot or leaf spot with Oasis. Its natural resistance keeps plants productive for 3-4 years without replanting, compared to standard varieties that often require replacement after two seasons. This durability translates to lower long-term costs and less annual maintenance work for your food plots.

Conclusion

These four chicory varieties offer distinct advantages for your long-term food plot strategy. Whether you prioritize drought tolerance with common chicory or extended growing seasons with Puna II you’ll find an option that matches your specific needs and budget.

Your choice ultimately depends on your climate conditions management time and wildlife goals. Northern hunters will appreciate Choice chicory’s winter hardiness while busy land managers can rely on Oasis chicory‘s low-maintenance approach.

Remember that chicory’s perennial nature means your initial investment pays dividends for years. You’ll enjoy consistent wildlife attraction reduced replanting costs and improved soil health that benefits your entire property’s ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best chicory variety for long-term wildlife food plots?

Common chicory (Cichorium intybus) is the most reliable choice for long-term wildlife food plots. It requires minimal maintenance, has exceptional drought tolerance due to its deep taproot, and provides 6-8 months of quality forage annually. Its deep roots also improve soil structure naturally, benefiting future plantings while consistently attracting deer and other game.

How long does Puna II chicory provide forage compared to common chicory?

Puna II chicory offers an extended growing season of 8-10 months of quality forage, compared to common chicory’s 6-8 months. This premium New Zealand variety also contains 22-25% protein during peak growth, making it highly attractive to deer and promoting better antler development and overall wildlife health.

What makes Choice chicory ideal for northern climates?

Choice chicory excels in northern wildlife plots due to its exceptional winter hardiness, surviving temperatures down to -20°F. It maintains green forage even under snow cover, providing crucial late-season nutrition. The variety also germinates quickly, establishing strong root systems within 30 days and offering quality forage by mid-summer.

Why is Oasis chicory considered low-maintenance?

Oasis chicory requires minimal soil preparation and fertilizer, making it perfect for busy land managers. It adapts well to various soil types and weather conditions while naturally resisting diseases. This variety remains productive for 3-4 years without replanting, reducing long-term costs and maintenance efforts significantly.

Can chicory be mixed with other plants in food plots?

Yes, chicory is highly compatible with other forage plants like clover, alfalfa, and brassicas. This compatibility allows for diverse food plot mixes that attract various wildlife species throughout the season while minimizing replanting needs and providing year-round nutrition options for game animals.

How does chicory’s deep root system benefit soil health?

Chicory’s deep taproot naturally aerates soil, improving water infiltration and nutrient cycling. This root system can access moisture during dry spells, ensuring consistent forage production even in challenging weather conditions. The natural soil improvement also benefits future plantings and overall plot productivity.