Chicory Growing Guide

Introduction

Chicory is a versatile and nutritious leafy vegetable that can be grown successfully in the United Kingdom. With its slightly bitter flavor and crisp texture, growing chicory in your garden can be a rewarding experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of growing chicory, from selecting the right variety to providing the necessary care for a bountiful harvest. Let's get started!

Choosing the Right Variety

When it comes to chicory, there are several varieties suitable for the UK climate. Here are some popular choices:

• 'Rossa di Treviso': A popular variety known for its elongated, red leaves and mild flavor.
• 'Catalogna': This variety produces long, narrow leaves with a slightly bitter taste, perfect for salads and stir-fries.
• 'Sugarloaf': An outstanding variety with tightly packed, cone-shaped heads and a crisp texture.
• 'Witloof': This variety is grown for its white, tightly packed heads, which can be forced to produce Belgian endive.

Sowing and Planting

Chicory is typically grown from seeds. Follow these steps to sow and plant your chicory:

1. Starting seeds indoors: Start chicory seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant them in seed trays or pots filled with seed-starting mix, and keep them in a warm location with adequate sunlight.
2. Transplanting: When the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves, transplant them into the garden. Space the plants 8-12 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
3. Soil conditions: Chicory prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Prepare the soil by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure.
4. Planting depth: Dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate the root ball of the chicory seedling. Position the plant so that the base of the stem is level with the soil surface.
5. Watering: Water the soil thoroughly after transplanting to help the seedlings establish their roots.

Growing

To ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest of chicory, consider the following tips:

• Sunlight: Chicory prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Aim to provide them with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Chicory requires regular watering to prevent the leaves from becoming bitter or tough.
• Soil conditions: Chicory prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or side-dress with compost or well-rotted manure during the growing season to provide additional nutrients.
• Thinning seedlings: When the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, thin them out to allow proper spacing. Leave the strongest seedlings spaced about 6-8 inches apart.
• Pest control: Monitor your chicory plants for common pests such as slugs or aphids. Use organic or chemical controls as necessary.
• Harvesting: Chicory leaves can be harvested as soon as they reach a usable size. Cut the outer leaves near the base of the plant, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.

Conclusion

Growing chicory in the United Kingdom allows you to enjoy the slightly bitter flavor and crisp texture of this versatile leafy vegetable. By choosing the right variety, providing proper care, and addressing common challenges, you can cultivate healthy chicory plants that add depth to your salads and culinary creations. Whether you use them in salads, sautés, or as a tasty addition to your dishes, homegrown chicory will elevate your culinary experiences. Happy chicory growing!