How to Grow Chicory in February: Tips, Advice, and the Best Varieties

How to Grow Chicory in February: Tips, Advice, and the Best Varieties

Chicory is a versatile and flavorful vegetable that adds a unique touch to salads, sautés, and roasted dishes. With its slightly bitter taste and crisp texture, chicory is a gourmet favorite. February is the perfect time to start growing chicory, particularly for gardeners looking to enjoy an early summer harvest or prepare for forcing chicory for winter.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about growing chicory in February, including the best varieties, planting techniques, and tips for a successful crop.

Introduction: Why Grow Chicory in February?

Chicory thrives in cool conditions, making February an excellent time to start sowing seeds indoors or under cover. Starting early gives the plants a strong start, allowing them to establish roots and develop robust leaves before the heat of summer.

Whether you’re growing leaf chicory for salads or root chicory for forcing in winter, this adaptable vegetable is a fantastic addition to any garden. With its attractive foliage and culinary versatility, chicory is both decorative and delicious.

1. Choosing the Best Chicory Varieties

Chicory comes in several types, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some popular varieties:

1.1 Radicchio (Red Chicory)

Known for its vibrant red and white leaves.
Adds color and crunch to salads.

1.2 Sugarloaf

Produces long, pale green heads with a mild, sweet flavor.
Ideal for fresh salads or cooking.

1.3 Witloof (Belgian Endive)

A root chicory variety grown for forcing in winter.
Produces tight, creamy white heads known as chicons.

1.4 Catalogna

Features narrow, serrated leaves that are perfect for salads or sautés.
Known for its slightly bitter taste.

1.5 Puntarelle

A classic Italian variety with tender, hollow stems and a mildly bitter flavor.
Great for salads and traditional Italian dishes.

2. Sowing Chicory in February

2.1 Where to Sow

Chicory seeds can be sown indoors in seed trays or outdoors under cloches if the soil is workable.
Use a greenhouse or polytunnel for added protection in colder regions.

2.2 Seed Sowing Process

Fill seed trays or pots with seed-starting compost.
Sow seeds thinly, about 1 cm deep.
Cover lightly with compost and water gently to moisten the soil.
Place trays in a bright, cool location with temperatures around 10–15°C.

2.3 Germination Time

Chicory seeds typically germinate within 7–14 days under optimal conditions.

3. Growing On and Transplanting

3.1 Pricking Out Seedlings

Once seedlings have two true leaves, transplant them into larger pots or modules.
Handle carefully to avoid damaging the roots.

3.2 Hardening Off

Before planting outdoors, harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.

3.3 Final Planting

Transplant seedlings to their final position when they are 4–6 inches tall.
Space plants 10–12 inches apart, with rows 12–18 inches apart.

4. Preparing the Soil

Chicory grows best in fertile, well-drained soil. Follow these steps to prepare the soil:

Remove any weeds and dig over the soil to a fine tilth.
Enrich the soil with well-rotted compost or manure.
Test and adjust the pH to a slightly acidic to neutral range (6.0–7.0).
Firm the soil lightly to provide a stable base for planting.

5. Caring for Your Chicory

5.1 Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
Water regularly, especially during dry spells.

5.2 Feeding

Apply a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to support healthy growth.
Avoid overfeeding, as excessive nitrogen can lead to overly bitter leaves.

5.3 Mulching

Add a layer of mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

5.4 Thinning

Thin seedlings if they are overcrowded, leaving the strongest plants to develop fully.

6. Forcing Chicory for Winter Harvest

Forcing is the process of growing chicory roots in the dark to produce tender, pale shoots (chicons) for winter harvesting.

6.1 How to Force Chicory

Lift mature chicory roots in autumn and trim the foliage back to 1 inch above the crown.
Replant the roots in containers filled with sand or compost, leaving the crown just above the surface.
Cover the container with an opaque lid or place it in a dark, cool location.
Harvest chicons after 3–4 weeks, cutting them at the base for a sweet and tender treat.

7. Pests and Diseases

7.1 Common Pests

Slugs and Snails: Use organic barriers or traps to protect young plants.
Aphids: Spray with insecticidal soap or encourage natural predators like ladybirds.

7.2 Common Diseases

Powdery Mildew: Ensure good airflow and avoid overhead watering.
Root Rot: Prevent waterlogging by using well-drained soil.

8. Harvesting Chicory

8.1 When to Harvest

Leaf varieties can be harvested when the leaves are young and tender, typically 6–8 weeks after sowing.
Root varieties for forcing should be lifted in autumn for winter chicon production.

8.2 How to Harvest

Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut leaves at the base for continuous harvesting.
For roots, lift them gently with a garden fork to avoid damage.

8.3 Storing Chicory

Store roots for forcing in a cool, dark place until needed.
Harvested leaves can be refrigerated for up to a week.

9. Benefits of Growing Chicory

Nutritional Value: High in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fiber.
Versatility: Great for salads, sautés, and traditional recipes.
Attractive Varieties: Adds color and texture to your garden and dishes.
Cool-Season Crop: Thrives in cool weather, making it ideal for early sowing.

Conclusion: Start Growing Chicory for a Unique and Flavorful Crop

Growing chicory in February is a fantastic way to get a head start on this versatile vegetable. Whether you’re growing it for colorful salads, tender chicons, or bold flavors, chicory is a rewarding crop for gardeners of all skill levels. By selecting the right varieties and following these tips, you’ll enjoy a productive and delicious harvest.

Happy gardening! 🌱