Belgian Endive

HEIRLOOM VARIETY: A European delicacy, Chicory Witloof, Belgian Endive is now very popular in America and this Heirloom variety is well suited for home garden production. Sweet and delicious, they are a welcome addition to any garden. Grow all season to produce sturdy roots. After tops die back in fall or winter, dig entire tap root and replant in moist soil deep enough to just cover the top of the root. Belgian Endive is excellent raw or lightly cooked.

SOWING ... Sow Chicory Witloof seed in early spring after danger of frost is past. Plant seed thinly in rows 24 inches apart.

THINNING ... Thin Chicory Witloof to 12 inches apart when plants are 2 inches tall.

GERMINATION ... Chicory Witloof seed germinates in 6 to 10 days depending on soil and weather conditions.

REMARKS ... Sturdy roots are essential to produce top quality chicons (Belgian Endive). Use deeply dug fertile soil. The leaves form a loose head similar to lettuce and should be left on throughout the season. When replanting roots for the winter, a black trash bag with holes punched in makes a good container. Tie off bag and store roots at 65 to 70 degrees F., periodically checking for soil moisture and growth. Harvest chicons when 4 to 8 inches long by cutting off just above the roots. Leave roots in place for possible second crop.