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In October, the hustle and bustle of the vegetable garden season is behind us. The potatoes, onions and garlic are safely stored in a cool, dark corner, ready for the kitchen. And for those who preserve, the freezer and glass jars are well stocked. All kinds of cabbages, fennel, winter leeks, carrots and the last green beans are still growing in the garden. Garlic can soon be planted in the ground, and you can still plant seed potatoes for winter onions. But these preparations are mainly for next year. What can we do now to enjoy this year? Exactly, grow chicory!
Is it growing chicory or endive?
It's actually quite simple. Belgians usually say "witloof" and "Brussels grondwitloof" is even a protected brand name. The Dutch call it "witlof". Because witloof is a bit of a Belgian pride, the white gold, we stick to "witloof" here and occasionally switch to chicory. If that bothers you, you can just leave out the 'ootje'. Both terms are accepted in the dictionary!
Is a chicory plant the same as endive?
Chicory and endive are not the same, although they both belong to the chicory family. Chicory, also called endive, is mainly grown for the leaves that are formed under the ground and that are grown into the well-known chicory stumps, which are white in color. Endive, on the other hand, is grown for the green leaves that grow above the ground and has a different taste and texture. They are both often used in salads, but they have different properties and uses.
Crisply fresh chicory or deliciously stewed chicory in 7 steps
Growing chicory is a slow process, but it is definitely worth it. It is one of the most satisfying crops in the vegetable garden. And the best part? You don't always have to go outside. If you buy chicory roots, you can grow everything in a cool, dark space in your home. In this guide, you will also learn how to sow chicory yourself. Enjoy reading! Do you want to start growing chicory with roots? Then go straight to step 4. This variety is perfect for sowing in buckets or containers.
Step 1: Soil preparation and sowing chicory in your own soil
Chicory grows best in soil that does not contain too much organic material or nitrogen. So leave that compost and universal fertilizer behind! What you do need as fertilizer are 2 handfuls of vinassekali and a tablespoon of magnesium sulphate per meter. Mix this well through the soil. Potassium is certainly important when growing chicory. It plays a crucial role in various processes, such as photosynthesis, water regulation and the absorption of other nutrients. Potassium also helps with the development of strong roots and contributes to the quality and taste of the chicory. A good potassium supply can therefore contribute to better growth and a higher yield.
- Make a sowing furrow in a sunny spot in your vegetable garden with a shovel
- Add a layer of sieved sowing and cutting soil to give your chicory seeds a flying start – this works well, just like with carrots.
- Sow your chicory seeds in the spring (early May to early June is ideal) in rows at a depth of 5 millimeters, with a row spacing of 30 centimeters.
- Thin the young plants to a planting distance of 12-15 centimeters apart. This may seem like a lot of space, but the difference between strong roots and weak plants is enormous.
