How to Grow Chicory (Cichorium Intybus)

Producing Chicory Leaves and Roots

• 1

  Prepare a soil location in full sun. Soil should be moderately fertile, fine in texture and well-drained, with a pH of 5.5 or greater.

• 2

  Place seeds 1/16 to 1/2 inch deep in the soil. The optimum temperature range for germination is 65 to 75 F. Seeds will germinate in seven to 21 days. Provide water to keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.

• 3

  Thin seedlings when they are 2 or 3 inches high so they are spaced 9 to 12 inches apart.

• 4

  Harvest leaves when they reach 6 to 8 inches long, after about 60 to 70 days. Leaves and stems will regrow when cut, providing a continuous harvest. Dig up roots with a shovel in late fall before frost arrives. The root will have a thickness of 5 to 7 inches and will taper into a taproot 9 to 10 inches long. Clean the root well before using.

Producing French Endive (Witloof Chicory)

• 5

  Thin seedlings 3 to 4 inches apart once they reach 2 to 3 inches high.

• 6

  Dig up roots with a shovel once they reach 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Trim roots down to 6 inches in length.

• 7

  Place roots upright in a box and cover them with sandy soil or moist sand. The root will begin to regrow and produce new leaves and an endive head. Cover the box to keep it dark, but leave it in a warm place of 64 to 70 F.

• 8

  Harvest endive after about 20 to 25 days, though harvest time depends on temperature. The chicon, or head of the chicory, should be very white with areas of yellow-green. The highest grade endive is 1 inch thick and 4 1/2 inches long.