In order to evaluate the effects of salt stress on the growth and the ion absorption and distribution of Na+, K+ and Ca2+ of Cichorium intybus L. cv. Commander, seedlings were treated with Hoagland solution supplemented with different concentrations of NaCl (70, 140, 210 and 280 mmol/L) for 15d followed by collection and determination of biomass, growth rate, the parameters of new leaves and mineral ions. The results showed that the growth rates of seedlings slowed down comparing with the control (P<0.05). The length, width, area and fresh weight of leaves were significantly decreased (P<0.05) with a significant enhance in group of 70 mmol/L (P<0.05). Na+ contents of root and leaf were significantly increased while K+ contents decreased, with significantly reduce in roots, and the K+/Na+ ratio of roots or leaves and Ca2+/Na+ ratio of leaves were significantly lower than the control, but Ca2+ content had no significant alterations. These results showed that salt stress caused the ionic imbalance of Cichorium intybus L. cv. Commander, and to promote the selective absorption of K+ and Ca2+ and energy consumption, so that plant growth was inhibited.