How to grow Chicory

Cichorium intybus

When allowed to grow on its own, Cichorium intybus will grow a full head of greens, with no sign of the pale yellow sprout we associate with the plant. This full head of greens will be bitter, coarse and tough.


To grow the pale sprout, you must “blanch” the root. Sow seeds in late spring and allow it to grow all summer. In fall, cut off the tops 2 inches above the crown. Dig up the roots and pot in tall boxes or flowerpots. Cover the roots with soil, water them in lightly, then add an additional 6-inches of sand. Put a cover on the pot (thick layers of newspaper are fine) and dig out the sprouts when they poke through the surface of the sand. Where winters are mild, the roots can be dug down into the garden soil, covered with sand and then covered with an inverted flower pot (make sure to put tape over the drainage holes to block out all light.

It will flower in its second year if left to grow and it is pretty enough for the flower boarder. The plant is tall 1m, and the flowers are numerous with a long season

Growing Chicory from seed

Needs a light frost to be able to germinate. Sow outdoors in the fall or in an unheated greenhouse or coldframe in the winter.

Transplanting Chicory

Leave unthinned for salad leaves
Thin out to 30cm if eating as a head or 20 cm if the roots are to be forced
The thinnings can be eaten

It is also possible to lift the germinated seedlings and transplant them at the correct distance

As Chicory is hardy, ensure temperatures are mild enough to plant out - wait until after your last frost date to be on the safe side.

Harvesting Chicory

Harvest thinings at the two leaf stage after germination
Harvest plants that are to make heads while they are still small and not tough or bitter
Harvest forcing types the following spring after over wintering in sand. Replant into a large pot on the spring and cover with black plastic. They are ready when the shoot is about 15cm

How long does Chicory take to grow?

These estimates for how long Chicory takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Chicory to germinate?
4 days

Average 4 days | Min 3 days | Max 10 days (6)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Chicory?
+ 15 days

Average 15 days | Min 9 days | Max 53 days (2)

Days to Maturity How long until Chicory is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 84 days

Average 84 days | Min 48 days | Max 131 days (5)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Chicory?
= 103 days

Chicory Etymology

In about 1850, a gardener at the Brussels Botanical Garden accidentally discovered how to grow Cichorium intybus so that the pale, creamy yellow, fist-sized sprout we know as “Belgian Endive” emerges. Belgians have historically been the largest growers and promoters of it, although they have recently been overtaken by the French.

Other names for Chicory

Radicchio, Succory. Wild Succory. Hendibeh. Barbe de Capucin, Dandelion, Blue Sailors, Coffeeweed. witloof

Footnotes


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