Growing Chicory, also Witloof, Belgian endive

Cichorium intybus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
        T              
      P P              

(Best months for growing Chicory in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 25 - 30 cm apart
  • Harvest in 16-24 weeks. Will need forcing before final harvest.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Carrots, onions, Florence fennel, tomatoes.

Your comments and tips

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11 Jun 21, CH Brouwer (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Where to purchase Witloof roots or seeds in New-Zealand ?
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23 Aug 21, Megan (New Zealand - temperate climate)
We got ours online So far they look good. About three cm tall.
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19 Jun 21, Laura (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Try on-line seed suppliers.
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13 Jun 21, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try any of the online seed merchants, like Egmont Seeds
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18 Jun 20, John Dykhuizen (Australia - arid climate)
My father grew whitlof every year and never lifted it to my knowledge. He kept covering it with soil
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07 Apr 20, Jo (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, I've bought some 'Cicoria variegated Di castelfranco' seeds and wonder whether it's at all possible to put them in my garden bed now? I'm in Melbourne, and new to growing chicory. Any advice is much appreciated! Jo
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08 Apr 20, anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
If you go to the blue tab at the top of the page called CLIMATE ZONE you will see you are temperate climate. Then go to CHICORY. Look at the planting guide. About SEP TO DEC. Read the notes about how to grow it.
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15 Apr 19, Yolanda Simons (New Zealand - temperate climate)
where can I please purchase witlof plants . Kind regards Yolanda
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01 Jan 22, Deborah (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I bought a bundle of seedlings at PacnSave in Mt Albert in October or November. They were from Awapuni Nurseries in Palmerston North. They are now enormous, bitter and taking up space. I've just read I was supposed to dig them up, cut them back hard and plant them in the dark but that didn't happen. They'll probably become compost, sadly.
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22 Feb 19, Belg (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Orderings in Chistchurch
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Showing 11 - 20 of 65 comments
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Hello, I bought Belgian Endive seeds whilst in Germany, and want to start growing them. I don't think they will be ready for June, as the whole process seems to take quite long, but when looking at the above instructions, I have no idea what is meant by Forcing and Blanching. Could yopu please write on how to grow Chicoree / Endive from seeds, and what to do about keeping out the sun to prevent bittering. Kind regards, Sylvia

- Sylvia Payze

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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