Belgium Endive

Belgium Endive Care

Cichorium Intybus

Other names: Belgium Endive, Common Chicory, Witloof Chicory

What is the plant

Witloof chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a weedy-looking plant. That’s not surprising, as it’s related to the dandelion and has frilly, pointed dandelion-like leaves. What is surprising is that witloof chicory plants have a double life. This same weed-like plant is responsible for the production of chicons, a bittersweet winter salad green, which is a culinary delicacy in the U.S

It can be invasive in North America.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

-4°C - 6°C

Hardiness zone

3 - 9

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Keep plants evenly moist. Add aged compost to planting beds before planting and again at midseason.
Pruning
The leaves are cut off approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm.) above the crown, side roots are removed and the taproot is shortened to 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm.) long.
Fertilizer
Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers to encourage root development and prevent the overproduction of leaves

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Plant this chicory in full sun
Soil
Plant chicory in soil rich in organic matter that is well-drained and free of lumps that might cause the roots to fork or split. Add aged garden compost to planting beds before growing. Chicory prefers a soil pH of 5.0 to 6.8.
Temperature
maintained between 55 to 72 degrees F. (13 to 22 C.)