witloaf chicory variety of Chicory
Description of witloaf chicory variety of Chicory.
The Witloof chicory variety, also known as Belgian endive, is grown for its tightly packed, elongated heads. It’s a popular variety for forcing, where the roots are grown in darkness to produce pale, tender shoots. This process yields the characteristic crisp, slightly bitter flavor that’s prized in salads and cooked dishes.
Planting instructions for witloaf chicory variety of Chicory
To plant Witloaf chicory, also known as Belgian endive, follow these steps:
- Timing: Plant Witloof chicory in late spring or early summer for a fall harvest. Alternatively, you can plant it in late summer for a winter harvest.
- Location: Choose a sunny location in your garden with well-drained soil. Witloof chicory prefers soil with good fertility and a pH of around 6.0 to 6.8.
- Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of about 8-10 inches and incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Sowing Seeds: Sow Witloof chicory seeds directly into the prepared garden bed, spacing them about 12 inches apart. Plant the seeds about ¼ to ½ inch deep in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods. Water regularly to ensure even moisture levels.
- Thinning: Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to ensure proper spacing, leaving the strongest plants to grow.
- Weed Control: Keep the area around the plants free from weeds, which can compete for nutrients and water.
- Fertilization: Chicory generally doesn’t require heavy fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer according to soil test recommendations or based on the plant’s growth.
- Forcing: About 90-100 days before your desired harvest, carefully dig up the mature chicory roots. Trim the leaves down to about 2 inches above the crown and store the roots in a cool, dark place for about a week to initiate dormancy.
- Forcing Container: After the dormancy period, plant the roots upright in a container filled with damp potting soil, leaving the crowns exposed. Keep the container in a dark, cool place (around 50-60°F / 10-15°C) for 3-4 weeks to encourage the formation of tender shoots.
- Harvesting: Harvest the chicory shoots when they reach 6-8 inches in length and are blanched to a pale color. Cut the shoots at the base of the crown.
Description of witloaf chicory variety of Chicory.
The Witloof chicory variety, also known as Belgian endive, is grown for its tightly packed, elongated heads. It’s a popular variety for forcing, where the roots are grown in darkness to produce pale, tender shoots. This process yields the characteristic crisp, slightly bitter flavor that’s prized in salads and cooked dishes.
Planting instructions for witloaf chicory variety of Chicory
To plant Witloaf chicory, also known as Belgian endive, follow these steps:
- Timing: Plant Witloof chicory in late spring or early summer for a fall harvest. Alternatively, you can plant it in late summer for a winter harvest.
- Location: Choose a sunny location in your garden with well-drained soil. Witloof chicory prefers soil with good fertility and a pH of around 6.0 to 6.8.
- Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of about 8-10 inches and incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Sowing Seeds: Sow Witloof chicory seeds directly into the prepared garden bed, spacing them about 12 inches apart. Plant the seeds about ¼ to ½ inch deep in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods. Water regularly to ensure even moisture levels.
- Thinning: Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to ensure proper spacing, leaving the strongest plants to grow.
- Weed Control: Keep the area around the plants free from weeds, which can compete for nutrients and water.
- Fertilization: Chicory generally doesn’t require heavy fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer according to soil test recommendations or based on the plant’s growth.
- Forcing: About 90-100 days before your desired harvest, carefully dig up the mature chicory roots. Trim the leaves down to about 2 inches above the crown and store the roots in a cool, dark place for about a week to initiate dormancy.
- Forcing Container: After the dormancy period, plant the roots upright in a container filled with damp potting soil, leaving the crowns exposed. Keep the container in a dark, cool place (around 50-60°F / 10-15°C) for 3-4 weeks to encourage the formation of tender shoots.
- Harvesting: Harvest the chicory shoots when they reach 6-8 inches in length and are blanched to a pale color. Cut the shoots at the base of the crown.
