Baby Leaf Chicory - Key Growing Information

A planting of baby leaf chicory 'Clodia,' an endive type, in our field trials.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Cichorium spp.

CULTURE:

Chicory prefers soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Suitable for growing anytime during the season but performs best in cool weather. For full-size chicory production see the Endive/Escarole culture, and the Italian Dandelion culture.

DAYS TO MATURITY:

From emergence after direct seeding.

DIRECT SEEDING:

Sow 3–5 seeds/inch in rows at least 2" apart.

SUCCESSION PLANTING:

For a continuous supply, sow about every 2 weeks.

HARVEST:

Harvest with a knife when leaves reach desired size, about 3–6". Cut about an inch above the soil to allow for clean regrowth, making sure to cut above the basal plate. Cut again when plants are at desired size, 5–14 days depending on variety.

AVG. SEEDING RATE:

Endive and Escarole: 1 oz./250', 1 lb./4,000'. Italian Dandelion: 1 oz./285', 1 lb./4,600'.

SEED SPECS:

Avg. 18,900/oz.

PACKET:

200 seeds; Endive, Escarole, and Italian Dandelion: sows 4'.