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 50°F and 68°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 10 - 12 inches 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

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18 Jun 20, John Dykhuizen (Australia - arid climate)
My father grew whitlof every year and never lifted it to my knowledge. He kept covering it with soil
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11 Jun 21, CH Brouwer (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Where to purchase Witloof roots or seeds in New-Zealand ?
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13 Jun 21, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try any of the online seed merchants, like Egmont Seeds
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19 Jun 21, Laura (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Try on-line seed suppliers.
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23 Aug 21, Megan (New Zealand - temperate climate)
We got ours online So far they look good. About three cm tall.
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08 Jul 21, Ria De Wild (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live in Papatoetoe and have been to many supermarkets to look for Witlof , Nobody knows where to buy it please help me
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21 Jul 21, (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Seed selling companies on the internet.
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01 Aug 21, Wendy (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The Dutch market in Cambridge sells it. They are a monthly market, though don't always have endive.
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20 Dec 21, Hans zwets (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Where in the western cape can I buy witlof .?
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04 Jan 22, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Google where to buy it.
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Showing 51 - 60 of 65 comments
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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 ;)

- Catharina Claessens

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