How to grow Witloof Chicory. (French or German Endive) Advice and information.

Witloof Chicory buds - German or French Endives

Information on growing Witloof Chicory - also known as French or German Endive.

Growing Endives or Witloof Chicory, is quite simple, but requires a little bit of attention.

It is normally sown in the open ground in May or early June, and then thinned out to plants which are 6in apart (150mm). Keep weed free through the summer, and water well in dry conditions.

In late Autumn - November - cut back the foliage to within and inch (25mm) of the crown. Lift the roots - crown - and store the roots horizontally in peat or sand, in a box in shed or garage.

The white 'chicons' must be 'forced' by bringing the roots into a dark but warm place. 50-60 deg F is about right. Just force a few of the roots at a time, by planting two or three roots in a 9in flower pot - plastic or terracotta - with an upturned pot over the top of the planted pot. The topmost drainage holes should be blocked to keep out any light, otherwise the resulting growth will hunt up towards the light from the drainage holes.

Keep the pot of compost/soil moist and keep warm, and the endives or chicons will be ready to harvest in about 4-5 weeks. Maybe a little sooner if you want smaller endives.