Chicory (Forcing and Non Forcing)

Salad & baby leaves are easy to grow and can be harvested in a short period, thus enabling them to fit into almost any rotation. They can be sown in relatively small pots and containers or between rows of slower growing species in the garden. Try sowing immediately after early crops i.e. first early potatoes, you should still have time to plant spring cabbage or sow an overwintering green manure once the leaves are harvested. Given the right conditions many species will regrow giving you a second crop if required. On top of this they are highly nutritious and add a new dimension to your diet. Go on, try some - we think you’ll like them. Create your own salad bag! Grow your own, with a little planning you can be harvesting fresh salad leaves everyday from your very own garden, allotment or even your patio. Know exactly how and where your leaves are grown. Instructions: Cut + rinse + eat! Simple! 

CHICORY NON-FORCING (inc. RADICCHIO) (Pain Di Zucchero/Palla Rossa/Rosso Treviso) An underrated vegetable which can be cooked, used in stir-fries and used as a salad leaf. A source of calcium, folic acid and vitamins B & K. Sow 1cm (^1/2") deep late May to July, thinning to 23cm (9") apart. Ready for cutting from late summer. Most likely pests are cutworm, wireworm and slugs.

CHICORY - FORCING  (Witloof/Lightning) Sow and treat as non-forcing types until November. Then lift roots carefully and cut foliage back to about 23cm (9"). Pack roots in boxes of sand and cover to exclude all light, keep in warm place. Cut the chicons that develop when 13-15cm (5-6") long.