Chicory

Common chicory, Cichorium intybus, is a perennial herb in the family Asteraceae grown for use as a salad green. Generally, chicory plants have an erect growth habit with numerous lanceolate (lance shaped) leaves branching off of the erect stems. The basal leaves can reach 25 cm (9.8 in) in length and are spatulate (spoon-shaped) and may be green or red in color. There are two rows of bracts (modified leaves) on the stems, the inner are longer and erect and the outer are shorter and spreading The foliage is commonly covered in hairs. The plant produces bright blue or sometimes pink or white flowers which are 2–4 cm (0.79–1.6 in) in diameter. Chicory can grow to a height of 0.6–1.2 m (2.0–3.9 ft) and is usually grown as a biennial. Chicory may also be referred to by variety and these include Common chicory, Italian dandelion, Witloof, Belgian endive and radicchio. Chicory likely originates from the Mediterranean.


Chicory is predominantly grown for its leaves which are used as salad greens or cooked. The witloof variety is also grown for its root which can be ground and used as a coffee substitute.


Basic requirements Many types of chicory are available for the home garden and the chosen variety depends ultimately on its desired use. Radicchio types are grown for their leaves whereas witloof types may be grown for their roots and leaves. Chicory is a cool season crop and radicchio varieties require cool temperatures to produce heads. Plants will grows best in fertile, well draining soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7.2 and should be positioned in full sun. Planting Chicory can be direct seeded or started indoors for transplanting. If started indoors, seeds should be sown in a sterile seed starting mix by planting to a depth of 0.6 cm (0.25 in). Thin the seedlings when they have 3 to 4 sets of true leaves. The seedlings are ready for transplanting when they are about 5 to 6 weeks old and have 5 or six mature leaves. Seedlings should be hardened prior to transplanting by gradually increasing their exposure to outdoor conditions. Space seedlings 20 to 23 cm (8-9 in) apart allowing 20 cm (8 in) between rows. Directly seeded plants should be thinned to this spacing. General care and maintenance Plants should be protected from frosts with row covers or fabric to prevent damage. The plants will benefit from a layer of organic mulch such as grass clippings or leaves which will help to suppress weeds while conserving moisture in the soil. Plants should be kept moist during growth to prevent the development of bitter tasting leaves. Chicory generally requires 1 to 2 inches of water a week but this will depend on the type of soil and the prevailing climatic conditions. Harvesting Radicchio varieties should be harvested when the leaves have reached their full size. Harvesting should not be delayed as it results in the leaves developing a bitter flavor. Cut the head from the plant using a sharp knife to cut through the stem just below the head. Witloof varieties grown for leaves should be harvested while the leaves are young and tender. If the plants are being grown for their roots then they should be pulled from the soil just before the last frost date. The leaves should be trimmed to about 2.5 cm from the crown and the roots should be trimmed to a uniform size. Store the trimmed plants at 0°C (32°F) for 5 to 7 weeks before forcing. Forcing Forcing is the term used to describe the process by which witloof chicory varieties are forced to produce new growth in winter. The forcing process is commonly carried out by transplanting the plants into sand filled boxes or buckets which are then stored in a frost free place such as a glasshouse, shed or basement where temperatures are between 10 and 15.55°C (50-60°F).The chicory plants should be planted in the sand, leaving the crown exposed and then either kept in darkness if in a basement or covered if in a glasshouse. It is important that no light is able to reach the plants. The plant will begin to produce a tightly packed head of leaves called a chicon. Chicons are ready for harvest within 3-5 weeks.


CABI Crop Protection Compendium. (2010). Cichorium intybus datasheet. Available at: http://www.cabi.org/cpc/datasheet/13409. [Accessed 11 November 14]. Paid subscription required. Hall, M. H. & Jung, G. A. (2008). Forage Chicory. Penn State Extension. Available at: http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/uc116.pdf. [Accessed 11 November 14]. Free to access. USDA (2003). Chicory. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Available at: ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/IL/grazing/Chicory.pdf. [Accessed 11 November 14]. Free to access.