Self-selected Cichorium Intybus L. were sown at 9 September，2020 and harvested every week from 76 to 181 days after sowing. The contents of total sugar，soluble protein，free amino acids and the morphological indexes of softened buds were measured，and the effects of different harvest dates on root nutrients and bud yield were discussed. The results showed that the water content of roots and leaves was decreased with the decrease of temperature，and reached the lowest point around the Major Cold solar term. From 76 to 153 days after sowing，the total sugar content of roots continued to increase，while the reducing sugar content increased when the minimum temperature was lower than 0℃ and lasted for a long time，the total sugar content of roots gradually was decreased and the change law of reducing sugar also changed after 153 days. The soluble protein content of roots was decreased significantly from 104 to 146 days after sowing，and the free amino acids content was increased from 90 to 160 days. The correlation analysis showed that the diameter and weight of bud ball of plants harvested 76 to 153 days after sowing were significantly correlated with the dry weight，total sugar，reducing sugar and free amino acids content of roots，respectively，the bud ball conversion rate was significantly correlated only with the reducing sugar content in root per unit weight，and the softening days were significantly negatively correlated with the dry weight，total sugar，reducing sugar and free amino acids content of roots，respectively. The comprehensive analysis results showed that there was no freezing injury during the overwintering period of selected Cichorium Intybus L. strains，and the dry matter including sugar and amino acids could be fully accumulated by appropriately delaying the harvest. It is suggested that the succulent roots should be harvested from early January to early February in Nanjing，which is conducive to ensure the yield and quality of buds.