Witloof Chicory | Belgian Endive Seed

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Cichorium intybus

CULTURE:
Witloof Chicory is a Belgian Endive variety that may be grown for harvest of fresh greens after 55 days and up to 115 days throughout the winter.
Forcing option: After 115 days the mature plant can be dug up, cut back radically and stored at OºC for 6-10 weeks before a new growth bud is forced at 13-21ºC in complete darkness. This is usually done in the winter and often forced indoors. These blanched buds are often called chicons are a gourmet treat!

PLANTING:
Plants grow 30-45cm tall and produce light to medium green leaves. Sow seeds directly outside 6mm deep and 25mm apart in full sun. After four weeks, thin seedlings to be 15-30cm apart. Chicory plants will grow with large green leaves.

HARVEST:
As it gets closer to winter, plants can be taken out of the soil. Green tops of the Witloof Chicory plant can be chopped off and stored.
Forcing option: Harvest chicons when they become dense, in about 21–29 days.

Quick Info

Latin Name: Cichorium Intybus

Life Cycle: Annual
Days to Maturity: 115 root harvest
Hardiness Zone: All Temperate zones
Planting Depth: 6mm
Plant Spacing: 30-45cm
Row Spacing: 5cm
Growth Habit: Upright
Soil Preference: Loose fertile loamy
Temp Preference: Do not exceed 24°C
Light Preference: Partial shade, full sun