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How to grow Chicory
Chicory
Chicory is a multi-use plant which is not commonly grown by the amateur gardener. However, it
is
reasonably easy to grow and provides a crop of leaves from early summer to mid-autumn. If the roots
are lifted and stored in the dark then chicons are produced which will provide a delicacy in the
winter months.
The final use is as a coffee substitute. The roots are baked then ground and are
used as a 40:60 mixture with coffee. In parts of the world, chicory is used exclusively to produce
an intriguing hot beverage.
CHICORY QUICK GUIDE
Chicory Folklore
Click here.
Latin Name
Cichorium intybus
Type
Perennial cultivated as an annual
Site and Soil
A light soil which retains water. Full sun but
they tolerate part shade well.
Plant to Harvest Time
8 weeks for leaves;
32 weeks for chicons;
How Many?
120 grams / 4 oz per plant
Types of Chicory
INSERT PICTURE
Chicory can be grown for its leaves which are used in salads. Some varieties,
Witloof chicory in particular, are grown principally for their chicons. These are
small tightly packed and blanched leaves which are normally forced indoors during
winter.
The final use for chicory is to grind up the roots and use the resulting powder as a
coffee substitute. In some parts of the world, ground chicory roots are used on
their own as a rather bitter beverage.
This article describes how to grow chicory and also includes radicchio which is similar and treated the same.
Site and Soil Chicory prefers a light well dug soil which is reasonably fertile. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It's a good crop for growing between rows of peas and sweet corn. At the beginning of the season the chicory will get full sun. As the season progresses the growing peas / sweet corn will shade the chicory from the full sun.
Sowing and Planting Chicory
CHICORY CALENDAR
Time Sow Plant Harvest Chicons
Early Spring
Mid Spring
Late Spring Sow indoors
Early Summer Sow indoors
Mid Summer Plant out
Late Summer
Early Autumn
Mid Autumn Force
Late Autumn Force / Harvest
Early winter Harvest
Mid Winter Harvest
Late Winter Harvest
CHICORY FOR LEAVES If sowing seed directly into the soil outside the best time is late spring onwards. Sow seed outside in to a depth of about 1�cm (�in) deep and cover with fine soil. Water in well if the soil is dry. If sowing more than one row, space the rows 35cm (14in) apart. When the seedlings are about 2cm (�in) high, thin them to 25cm (10in) apart.
If sowing seed under cover, start sowing in mid spring. Sow a couple of seed per pot and thin out to the strongest. When the seedlings are 5cm (2in) high transplant them to their final position in the garden. Avoid disturbing the roots as much as possible. If the seeds are sown in degradable pots the pot can be planted directly into the soil. Space them as described in the previous paragraph. Water in well.
CHICORY FOR CHICONS It's best to sow chicory seed for chicons in pots indoors as described above. Sow the seed in late spring. Plant out as described above.
Care for Chicory
Chicory is extremely good news on the care front. It requires no care whatsoever once the seedlings have established. In the early stages, water if conditions become dry. Thereafter the plants will look after themselves. Their long tap roots will search out water in all but the driest of conditions. Chicory, wait for this, will smother all but the most troublesome weeds. That's the best recommendation you can ever get for a vegetable!
Sometimes chicory does throw up a few flowers. As soon as you notice them cut the flowering stems back to soil level.
