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

22 Jan 13, Chris Czarnik (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When is the best time to plant Witloof and, Chicory in Brisbane. Thank you
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)?
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
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
27 Aug 13, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
where can I buy witloof in gauteng
14 May 14, ROB MEEUSEN (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Ik ben Kok . Helemaal geen groene vingers. Graag wil ik Witloof kweken . De witloof wortel geeft mij het grote probleem . Wanneer zaaien . Kan dit in de winter in de West kaap . Het zaad heb ik reeds . Dank voor wat hulp . ROB MEEUSEN . 'm Cook. No green thumb. I would like chicory cultivation. The chicory root gives me the big problem. When sowing. Can this winter in the Western Cape. The seed I have already. Thanks for some help. ROB MEEUSEN.
22 Oct 14, Monique Terblanche (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hoi, Ik ben een Vlaming wonende in Pretoria en kan nergens witloof kopen. Hebt u al een kweker gevonden en indien wel , wilt u aub een adres geven waar ik het kan kopen. Groetjes Moniqiue (Hi, I am a Fleming living in Pretoria and nowhere to buy chicory. Have you already found a breeder and if so, would you please give an address where I can buy it. Greetings Moniqiue)
23 Jun 15, Samuel (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Rob Did you get your Witloof seeds here in South Africa, if yes where?
28 Jun 14, peter (Australia - arid climate)
where can I buy chicory seeds in perth
01 Aug 14, Ernest Gouws (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi I would like to know where I can buy Witlof seeds. I live in Benoni. Ernest
Showing 11 - 20 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

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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.
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