best way to level chocobo

[ryouma17]

do you have to grow the curiel roots yourself?

[Tint]

do you have to grow the curiel roots yourself?

Unfortunately, yes.

[Penthea]

You can buy a variety of chocobo food from the Vath beast tribe: https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Vath_Stickpeddler

[Moomba33]

I never had the patience to straight up grind mobs for my bird.
I got my chocobo to rank 20 during Heavensward through a combination of the Challenge Log, feeding Krakka Roots, and just making sure it was always summoned when I was doing something in the overworld (quests, clan hunts, FATEs, treasure map parties, ect).

[Niwashi]

do you have to grow the curiel roots yourself?

The only way they can be created is by growing them. You can do it yourself or buy them from someone who did, but they tend to be expensive, and might not be available when you want them.