Chicory

Getting Ready to Grow Chicory

Hello, gardening friend! Chicory is a hardy plant that’s great for beginners because it doesn’t need much fuss. You can grow it for its leaves (which are tasty in salads) or for its roots (used in teas and even coffee substitutes). Let’s get started!

Choosing Seeds: You’ll want to grab some chicory seeds from your local garden store or online. They’re usually easy to find since chicory is such a versatile plant.

When to Start: Chicory loves cooler weather, so spring or early fall is the best time to plant it. If you're planting in spring, wait until the last frost has passed. For fall planting, aim for about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost.

What You’ll Need:

• Chicory seeds
• A small patch of soil in your garden or a large pot (at least 12 inches deep)
• Garden soil or compost-rich potting mix
• Watering can or hose
• A spot with partial sun (it likes some shade too!)

Tip: If you’re growing chicory for its roots, make sure the soil is loose and well-draining so the roots have room to grow.

Planting Your Chicory Seeds

Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s plant those chicory seeds!

1. Prepare the Soil:
   • If you’re planting in a garden bed, loosen the soil with a small rake or hoe. Mix in some compost if you have it — chicory isn’t super picky, but it appreciates a little extra nutrition!
   • If using a pot, fill it with soil up to about 2 inches from the top.
2. Sow the Seeds:
   • Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil surface. Don’t bury them too deep — just lightly cover them with about ¼ inch of soil.
   • Gently pat down the soil after sowing.
3. Watering:
   • Give the soil a good watering, but don’t drown it! Keep the soil moist like a damp sponge.
4. Spacing:
   • If you’re planting in rows, space the seeds about 6-8 inches apart. If you’re scattering them, thin out the seedlings later once they sprout and reach about 2 inches tall.

Tip: Chicory seeds germinate pretty quickly, usually within 7-10 days, so keep an eye on them!

Taking Care of Your Growing Chicory

Once your chicory starts growing, here’s how to keep it happy and healthy:

Sunlight:

• Chicory likes sunlight but appreciates a bit of shade too. It does best in partial sun, so aim for around 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Check it every couple of days by sticking your finger into the soil — if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
• During hot spells, you might need to water more often. Just be careful not to overwater, as chicory doesn’t like sitting in waterlogged soil.

Weeding:

• Pull any weeds that pop up near your chicory. Weeds steal nutrients and water from your plants, so keeping the area weed-free will help your chicory thrive.

Fertilizing:

• You don’t need to fertilize chicory much, but if you want to give it a boost, use a light application of compost or a balanced fertilizer once a month.

Tip: If you’re growing chicory for its roots, avoid overcrowding the plants. The roots need space to grow big and strong!

When and How to Harvest Chicory

Chicory is a two-for-one plant — you can harvest both the leaves and the roots, depending on what you’re growing it for. Here’s how to do it:

Harvesting Leaves:

• You can start picking the outer leaves when the plant is about 6-8 inches tall.
• Use scissors or pinch off the leaves at the base. Always leave a few inner leaves so the plant can keep growing.
• The younger leaves are milder in flavor and perfect for salads. Older leaves can be cooked to reduce bitterness.

Harvesting Roots:

• If you’re growing chicory for its roots, wait until the plant is fully mature, usually after 100-120 days.
• Carefully dig up the entire plant with a small spade or garden fork. Shake off the excess soil and trim the leaves off.
• Wash the roots thoroughly and dry them before using them in teas, roasting for coffee substitutes, etc.

Storage Tips:

• Fresh leaves can be stored in the fridge for a few days, wrapped in a damp paper towel.
• Roots can be dried and stored in a cool, dark place for several months.

Tip: Chicory leaves can get bitter if left too long in the heat, so harvest them early in the morning for the best flavor!

Common Chicory Questions

Q: My chicory leaves are turning yellow. What’s wrong?A: Yellow leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil is draining well and try cutting back on watering a bit. If it’s been very rainy, consider covering the plants to protect them.

Q: Can I grow chicory indoors?A: Yes! You can grow chicory indoors, especially if you’re focusing on the leaves. Place it in a sunny window where it gets at least 4-6 hours of light each day. If you’re growing for roots, make sure the container is deep enough to accommodate them.

Q: Why are my chicory roots small?A: Small roots could be due to overcrowding or poor soil. Make sure you’ve spaced your plants properly and that the soil is loose and nutrient-rich. Adding compost can help improve root growth.

Q: Is chicory safe to eat raw?A: Absolutely! Young chicory leaves are great raw in salads. The older leaves can be a bit bitter, so you might prefer cooking them.

Q: Do pests bother chicory?A: Not too many pests bother chicory, but slugs and snails might take a nibble. You can handpick them or use natural deterrents like crushed eggshells around the base of the plant.