Growing chicory: step-by-step guide for fresh heads in winter

Chicory (or witloof) belongs to the chicory family (Cichorium intybus) and is related to endive. Nevertheless, it is a completely different crop. While endive grows above ground and is harvested for its green leaves, chicory is all about what happens underground. That is where a thick taproot forms, which later becomes the basis for those beautiful white heads.

Chicory is grown in two phases: first you grow sturdy roots, then you let them sprout in the dark into white heads.

In Belgium, chicory is even a source of national pride. The nickname ‘white gold’ says enough. It is a vegetable with a slightly bitter, refined taste that works well in both salads and hot dishes. And the best part: you can grow it yourself, with a bit of knowledge and patience.

Chicory grows best in soil that does not contain too much organic matter or nitrogen. So, leave that compost and universal fertilizer aside! What you do need as fertilizer are 2 handfuls of potassium fertilizer and a tablespoon of magnesium sulfate per meter. Mix this well into the soil. Potassium is certainly important when growing chicory. It plays a crucial role in various processes, such as photosynthesis, water regulation, and the absorption of other nutrients. For optimal growth, it is advisable to mix the top layer with compost so that the soil becomes airier. An airy soil structure is important for good root growth.

Potassium also helps in the development of strong roots and contributes to the quality and taste of the chicory. A good supply of potassium can therefore contribute to better growth and a higher yield.

• Make a small sowing furrow with a trowel in a sunny spot in your vegetable garden.
• Add a thin layer of sifted seed-starting soil to give your chicory seeds a flying start – this works great, just like with carrots.
• Sow your chicory seeds in the spring (early May to early June is ideal) in rows at a depth of 5 millimeters, with a row spacing of 30 centimeters. Chicory is usually sown directly in the open ground; open-ground sowing ensures strong roots.
• Thin out the young plants to a plant spacing of 12-15 centimeters apart. This might seem like a lot of space, but the difference between sturdy roots and weak plants is huge.
• Before you sow chicory, it is important to know that there are different varieties and types of chicory. The choice of variety partly determines the cultivation method and the final result. Some types of chicory are better suited for specific growing conditions or uses than others.

After 110 to 130 days, your plants will have plenty of green foliage – that is completely normal. Use a broadfork or digging fork to loosen the soil and carefully free the roots. Be careful not to damage the roots; all the energy for the next growth phase is stored in those roots. It is important to trim the long roots to the same length so that you get even growth.

The better you harvest the chicory roots, the more and the more often you can enjoy your chicory later. Healthy chicory roots are essential for a good harvest. If you have harvested the plants with both root and foliage, leave them on your vegetable garden soil to rest for a period of 14 days. This helps the roots prepare for the next step.

This is where things often go wrong when growing chicory. You should water your chicory after sowing, but you must be careful not to overwater. Even moisture is ideal, especially during the germination period. Ensure the top layer of soil does not dry out, but avoid having the roots stand in water. Once the plants are larger, they need less frequent watering, especially if the weather is not too hot or dry.

In this phase, use a clean, sharp knife to cut off the foliage 2 to 4 cm above the root; 3 cm is ideal. This way, the foliage is trimmed so that the roots are ready for the next phase of chicory cultivation. Make sure to cut the roots straight to get nice pieces of chicory. You can safely put the leaves on the compost heap; they are rich in nitrogen and will certainly benefit your compost.

The chicory roots can be quite long, but you can trim them back to about 20 cm. These shortened roots are also known as chicory pens and are ideal for planting immediately to grow chicory.

In the winter, when it is cold and wet outside, you can easily continue growing your chicory roots indoors; this has already proven to be a very successful method for me. You can also grow chicory in a bucket or container. Place the roots vertically in a bucket or chicory forcing container, as close together as possible for an optimal harvest. Sprinkle sifted seed and cutting soil or regular fine garden soil between the roots. Drop the bucket onto the ground regularly (about 5 cm high) to help the soil settle well.

Important: do not give your chicory roots any extra nutrients, as all the necessary energy is already stored in the roots! As soon as the roots are well covered with sand or soil, you can lightly spray the top of the pot. Cover the growing pot with a blanket or a dark container and place it in a cool spot, preferably between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius.

Note: if light reaches your vegetables, your chicory will form (bitter) green leaves instead of the desired white heads. After about three weeks, the first heads of chicory will appear. Cut the heads off at the base and trim them in the kitchen if necessary.

Another method some people use is to tilt the growing container or bucket and create layers of soil and chicory roots: soil/roots/soil/roots/... and of course finish with soil. This slightly mimics the technique of heeling-in and also works just fine.

Growing chicory consists of two phases: first you grow the taproot, then the white head is formed. During heeling-in, it is important to create the right conditions, such as using a layer of soil and, for some varieties, a top layer of earth for compact heads.

Do you want to grow your chicory in the open ground?

• Make a hole or pit about 25 cm deep. If you use a raised bed, make sure it is 25 cm higher and that you have enough healthy soil.
• Make a sloped side in your pit and place the first layer of roots against the wall. The roots should now be angled at 45 degrees.
• Cover the roots with a layer of regular garden soil until they are well covered. It is important to cover the roots with a layer of soil so that growth proceeds properly.
• Some older varieties of chicory require an extra layer of soil to form nice, compact heads.
• Place a second layer of roots and repeat this until your pit is full.
• Give the roots one good watering and then no more; chicory is sensitive to fungi, so one watering is sufficient.
• Cover the pit with a layer of straw or hay and a black, breathable cloth.
• After three weeks, you can start harvesting. Begin with the roots that were heeled in last.
• Gently pull the root out of the pit or cut it off with a sharp, clean knife if that is easier.
• The part of the chicory roots you don't use immediately can be kept in a dark, cool, and airy place. Do not put them in a bag or cover them with a blanket, otherwise they will go moldy.

Keep a regular eye on the covering layer where you are growing your chicory roots in the dark. Depending on the humidity, temperature, and air circulation in the room, you may need to add some extra water to the bucket or growing pot. Ensure you pay close attention to both humidity and temperature to guarantee optimal growth.

The heeled-in roots otherwise need little attention, but if you don't see anything after three weeks, something might be wrong, such as lack of water. Remember: chicory is 98% water, so it is important to ensure your roots remain sufficiently moist.

Chicory can be affected by the chicory leaf miner or soft rot. Chicory grows underground in low-light conditions, which can influence the risk of certain diseases. The leaf miner is not very common and is usually only controlled in professional cultivation. Soft rot can be introduced with the soil or covering soil you use, and the roots can also be affected if your soil contains too much nitrogen or humus. Chicory comes from the white, low-light leaves that grow underground.

To reduce the risk of fungus, you could consider purchasing good quality chicory roots. These often offer more guarantee of a healthy, mold-free harvest. You can grow chicory by creating the right conditions so the plants develop optimally. Poor soil structure can lead to small heads, which affects the quality of the chicory. Fertilizing chicory promotes healthy plant development. After the first harvest, you can sometimes obtain a second harvest by leaving the roots in place. Healthy roots ensure a better yield. It is important to harvest and clean chicory properly to maintain its quality.

Growing your own chicory, especially in winter, is becoming increasingly important. By growing chicory yourself, you avoid the need for thousands of tons of food to be transported from afar. Seasonal vegetables like chicory help reduce transport-related emissions.

Did you find this information useful and are you considering getting started yourself? Take a look at our webshop for the best gardening supplies, such as chicory roots. We ensure top quality for optimal results and would love to help you find the right products for your vegetable garden.

Have fun growing your own chicory!