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

09 Mar 22, Marius (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I bought mine online from Living seeds (www.livingseeds.co.za). They are in Henley-on-Klip, Gauteng.
21 Sep 22, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Seeds for Africa and Livingseeds.co.za sell seeds.
29 Aug 23, Perya Short (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can anyonenadvise please where I can buy chicory seeds in the Wellington region? Or links to sites that sell online in NZ?
06 Sep 23, Anonymous (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Google seed selling companies.
09 Oct 23, Annemieke Tempelaars (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where can I buy the seeds? To grow witlof myself can I buy that on line, I'm in Invercargill NZ
Showing 61 - 65 of 65 comments

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

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.