Growing Chicory, also Witloof, Belgian endive

View the Chicory page

15 Aug 17 Mario Skapin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i planted about 40 seeds of witlof in the beginning of April and the leaves are between 400 and 600 mm high i understand that it should be around 5 months before forcing is done, i don't fully understand the term forcing or blanching what does it mean can someone please explain this to me and also what is the simplest way to do this final stage of witlof growth cycle. can it be done in the garden where they grow? my understanding is that the the complete witlof be taken from the ground and the leave cut off about 50mm from the root and the root to be cut to about 250mm and then replanted within 30mm of each other and covered to exclude daylight for about 12 weeks. does it need watering or fertilising while this last process takes place please help as i would almost cry if all this work to date is wasted Thank you Mario
17 Feb 18 Byndy (Australia - temperate climate)
This is THE most exhaustive how to website for knowing how to force witlofs that I have EVER seen... well done to this guy! https://sjefgardentips.wordpress.com/2012/05/16/24-growing-chicory-endive-belgian-endive-french-endive-witlof-witloof/
16 Aug 17 Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Another gourmet delight born of a quirk of history is forced chicory. Like rhubarb, chicory can be ‘forced’ by removing mature roots to a warm, dark place in order to coax them into rapid and early growth. Why? Because what follows is a more tender, sweeter and altogether sumptuous experience than would otherwise be had. It’s a dark art, but a magnificent one!
21 Aug 17 Mario Skapin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thank you Mike will do a little more by reading different sites to get a broader look at it. Do you grow witlof yourself. i have eaten it and is truly delicious so i want to make sure it is all good. Thank you again
16 Aug 17 Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Go to a website called growveg.com.au - tells about forcing chicory. Go to different websites and read about it and blanching. Sounds like you are on the right track with it. I wouldn't fertilise it and light watering maybe. Google it and read up. Good luck.
Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.