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Endive 'Witloof' Chicory – 100 Seeds
Endive 'Witloof' Chicory – 100 Seeds
- 🌱 Grown & tested in our Texas garden
- 🚚 Ships from Texas in 1–2 days via USPS
- 💬 Growing help by text or email
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Witloof chicory / Belgian endive growing facts
| Botanical name | Cichorium intybus (Witloof group) |
|---|---|
| Plant type | Biennial grown as an annual; roots forced indoors |
| When to sow | Spring to early summer for root growth; dig roots in fall |
| Sowing depth | 1/4 inch |
| Spacing | 6–8 inches apart |
| Germination | 3–7 days |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Days to harvest | About 110–130 days for roots, then 3–4 weeks of forcing |
| Seeds per pack | 100 |
| Shipping | Ships from Texas within 1–2 business days |
Witloof Chicory (Belgian Endive)
Witloof is grown for its roots, which are dug in fall and forced indoors in the dark to produce pale, tight, crisp heads called chicons. Chicons are used fresh in salads or braised and roasted. Young green leaves can also be used in salads and stir fry, and the roots can be roasted as a coffee substitute.
- Botanical Name: Cichorium intybus (Witloof group)
- Germination Time: 3–7 days
- Type: Biennial grown as an annual for its roots
- When to sow: Spring to early summer; dig roots in fall for forcing
- Spacing: 6–8 inches apart
Chicory Growing Guide: https://youtu.be/qBh_O4N5FbQ?si=MH7FzmAudeZcr5QU
Witloof chicory / Belgian endive FAQ
How do I get Belgian endive heads (chicons)?
Grow roots through the season, dig them in fall, trim tops to about 1 inch, then replant them upright in moist soil in a dark, cool spot (50–60°F). Pale chicons form in 3–4 weeks.
When should I plant Witloof?
Sow in spring after last frost so roots develop through summer; in warm regions (zones 8–10), sow early spring before peak heat or late summer for roots dug in winter.
Can the leaves be eaten without forcing?
Yes, young green leaves can be used in salads, but they are more bitter than forced chicons.
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Seeds looked fresh and germinated well for me. Packaging was careful and clear.
Impressed with the care put into packing. Everything arrived in good shape.
Seeds looked fresh and germinated well for me. Packaging was careful and clear.