Felix | Catalogna Gigante di Chioggia Chicory Seed

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cichorium intybus

CULTURE: Catalogna Gigante di Chioggia aka Italian dandelion is hardy and can be planted as early as the soil can be worked. A cool-weather crop, it grows best at temperatures of 15.5-18.5°C. Catalogna seed as with radicchio enters thermal dormancy when exposed to high temperatures above 25°C. Optimum germination results at soil temperatures of  15.5-20°C.

TRANSPLANTING: Sow in 19mm plug trays, covering seeds with 1-3mm of fine vermiculite, transplanting outdoors 3-4 weeks later. Shade the flats on sunny, warm days, if necessary, to keep the soil surface cool, 24°C, until germination. Harden seedlings by reducing water and temperature for 2-3 days before planting outdoors. When hardened transplants can survive temperatures as low as -6°C. For full-size bunches, space 10-15cm apart and clip leaves at any stage, ideally less than 25cm tall.

DIRECT SEEDING: Sow seeds 25mm apart in rows 30-45cm apart. Cover seed lightly, about 3mm, and firm soil gently. Thin to 10-15cm apart as soon as seedlings are large enough to handle. Dry soil must be watered to ensure coolness and moisture, and for uniform germination.

SUCCESSION PLANTING: Sowing every 3 weeks will provide a continuous supply.

HARVEST: Catalogna can be harvested throughout the growth cycle