Six Point Chicory

High quality summer forage

Cichorium intybus (inferred from species, not stated in the guide)

In stockDownload tech sheet

High quality feed and often sown in a mix of grasses and clovers at 2-5kg per hectare. Tolerant of waterlogging and drought periods, with a very deep tap root known to assist with breaking up the soil and enabling moisture to be drawn from deep within the soil profile. Can regenerate if allowed to go to seed. Parasite inhibiting properties, safe for animals and does not cause staggers.

Key attributes

  • Perennial herb for summer feed gaps
  • Deep taproot for drought tolerance
  • Rapid regrowth after grazing
  • Mineral rich feed for young stock
  • Good companion in pasture mixes

About this variety

Six Point is a chicory grown for summer forage, filling the gap between the end of the winter pasture and the start of the next one.

Its deep taproot is the mechanism. Chicory roots well below the depth a ryegrass can reach, so it continues to produce through summer on subsoil moisture after the surface has dried, and that same root gives it real drought tolerance.

The forage is high quality, digestible and mineral rich, which makes it particularly useful for young stock where growth rates matter, and regrowth after grazing is rapid so the paddock can be returned to repeatedly through the season.

Six Point works either as a specialist summer crop or as a component in a pasture mix, where it adds a feed type with a different seasonal pattern to the grasses and clovers around it.

It suits well drained soils with reasonable depth, and it is best rotationally grazed to protect the crown and keep the plant producing leaf rather than running to stem.

How it's sold

FormPackStatus
Bare25 kgIn stock
Six Point Chicory

FAQs

What summer forage herb can I add to a pasture for high-quality feed?

We recommend 6 Point Chicory. It is a perennial herb that provides high-quality summer forage and is often sown with grasses and clovers. It suits a wide range of soils, from light sand to heavy, in 550mm+ rainfall areas. We recommend 2 to 5 kg/ha in a mix.

What plant can help break up compacted soil and draw moisture from deep down?

6 Point Chicory has a very deep tap root that is known to help break up the soil and draw moisture from deep in the profile. It tolerates waterlogging and dry periods. We recommend it as part of a pasture mix in 550mm+ rainfall areas.

Is there a pasture plant that helps with worm burdens in sheep?

6 Point Chicory has parasite-inhibiting properties, which makes it a useful addition to sheep pastures. It is also safe for animals and does not cause staggers. Sow it in a mix with grasses and clovers at 2 to 5 kg/ha, or at 4 to 8 kg/ha on its own.

How much chicory seed should I sow per hectare?

For 6 Point Chicory, we recommend 4 to 8 kg/ha when sown alone, or 2 to 5 kg/ha in a mix with grasses and clovers. It suits light sand to heavy soils in 550mm+ rainfall areas. Sow into a fine, firm seedbed for good establishment.

What herb will cope with both wet winters and dry summers?

6 Point Chicory tolerates waterlogging and dry periods, which makes it a flexible choice. Its deep tap root draws moisture from deep in the soil. It suits light sand to heavy soils and 550mm+ rainfall, and it provides high-quality summer forage.

Is there a safe summer feed that won't give my stock staggers?

6 Point Chicory is safe for animals and does not cause staggers. It is a high-quality summer forage herb with parasite-inhibiting properties. We recommend sowing it with grasses and clovers at 2 to 5 kg/ha in 550mm+ rainfall areas.

How do I get my herb pasture to come back next year?

6 Point Chicory is a perennial and can also regenerate if allowed to go to seed. Letting some plants set seed helps thicken the stand. Rotational grazing and good fertility help it persist. It suits light sand to heavy soils in 550mm+ rainfall areas.

What should I sow 6 Point Chicory with?

We recommend sowing 6 Point Chicory with grasses and clovers, at 2 to 5 kg/ha in the mix. Good partners include Matua Prairie Grass, Tonic Plantain, Haifa White Clover and Red Clover. The mix gives high-quality summer and year-round feed in 550mm+ rainfall areas.

Is 6 Point Chicory a perennial?

Yes, 6 Point Chicory is a perennial herb. It can also regenerate if allowed to go to seed. Its deep tap root helps it survive dry periods, and it tolerates waterlogging. It suits 550mm+ rainfall areas on light sand to heavy soils.

6 Point Chicory vs Tonic Plantain, what's the difference?

Both are high-quality perennial herbs. 6 Point Chicory is a summer forage with a very deep tap root, tolerates waterlogging, and needs 550mm+ rainfall. Tonic Plantain gives strong winter and spring growth, is mineral rich, and is not tolerant of waterlogged soils. Many growers sow both together.

View all Herbs

Tonic Plantain

Mineral rich year-round perennial grazing herb