Growing Chicory, also Witloof, Belgian endive

Cichorium intybus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

(Best months for growing Chicory in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • 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

27 Aug 13, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
where can I buy witloof in gauteng
26 Aug 13, Bill Van Dipten (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where can I buy Brussels Endive (aka Witloof) seeds for planting in my garden in Cape Town ...so far no success with my search
07 May 13, Graeme harte (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
G'day catharina ! I'm growing witloof for the first time this year high in the mountains west of mackay QLD with great results ! I got my seeds from Eden seeds ' hope this helps mate ' regard Graeme
15 Apr 13, marian seegers (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Please have you any idea where I can buy witloof here in New Zealand (south Island)?
22 Jan 13, Chris Czarnik (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When is the best time to plant Witloof and, Chicory in Brisbane. Thank you
22 Jan 13, (Australia - arid climate)
On lineThe Italian Gardener
15 Dec 12, Carol (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How about roots
12 Dec 12, Reinout (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Piero, I brought some witlof seeds from holland two years back. Don't mind sharing. I'm in Wesdene, JHB.
04 Oct 12, Catharina Claessens (Australia - temperate climate)
I am from belgium and this is one of the very few things i miss from that cold country! In my 5years here i've only found it once, just a random addition to the regular veggies at woolies one week, but sadly never again. Does anyone know where i could buy over here (or seeds and try and grow it i suppose, although thats a lot of hassle in this case i reckon)? And my suggestion is definitely in the oven with ham and lots of cheese ;)
04 Oct 12, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
Our local Coles had it for the last 3 months, but I think it's out of season now. Maybe try them instead of Woolies? Eden Seeds had seed
Showing 51 - 60 of 65 comments

Chicory - Witloof. I live in northern NSW and my planting guide says plant chicory seed in March. Plants have all germinated and I will transplant to 20cm apart. Just want to know how high they may grow? And at what time should I pull up roots and "force" them? Thankyou John

- John de Kleuver

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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. GardenGrow 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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.