Growing Chicory, also Witloof, Belgian endive
(Cichorium intybus)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| S | P | P |
(Best months for planting Chicory in USA - Zone 5a regions)
S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.
- Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 68°F.
- Space plants: 10 - 12 inches apart
- Harvest in 16-24 weeks. Will need forcing before final harvest.
- Compatible with: Carrots, onions, Florence fennel, tomatoes.
- Forced (blanched) witloof
Harvest - to prepare to store for forcing at around 4-5 months . The second stage, blanching will take 8 - 12 weeks. To Blanch:- Lift the plants and cut off the leaves about 5cm (2in) above the roots. Shorten the roots to about 20-25cm (8-10in) and replant close together (3-5cm apart)in a pot filled with loose soil. Keep damp but not soggy. Cover to exclude light and keep out of the sunlight, but not below 10 C (50 F)
Exclude light until you use the witloof, if it goes green it will be bitter.
Culinary hints - cooking and eating Chicory
Good in salads
Grill lightly with butter
Bake with ham and cheese
Planting reminders
This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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