Sowing in the field
Chicory is sown outdoors between mid-May and early July. About four weeks after the sowing the young plants are pricked out.
- Row spacing: 30 cm
- Distance between the individual plants: 10 cm
- Sowing depth: 2 to 3 cm
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A handful of location requirements
Chicory is extremely frugal and easy to care for. He has only a few demands on his location:
- full sun to partially shaded location
- Substrate: deep, well-drained, rich in nutrients and humus, fresh to moderately moist
- does not tolerate moisture or prolonged drought
The exact procedure - step by step
After the chicory has been sown and pricked in a loosened soil, all it needs is a regular supply of water. The turnips / roots of the chicory are dug up in mid-September. They should be between 3 and 5 cm in diameter. They are left on the ground in the bed for a day or two. During this time, the roots are still drawing nutrients from the leaves.
The second stage begins
The leaves are then removed from the roots and transported to a suitable location, for example in the house or in the basement. There they should drive out again. Buckets, boxes and bowls are suitable as containers for moving the plant. Such a vessel is filled with earth or sand. The roots are put in there and well watered.
The vessel should either be covered for the next time or stand in a completely dark place (12 to 18 ° C). If light were to get to the plants, they would develop a lot of bitter substances and be less tasty.
The harvest can begin
After three to four weeks - usually at the beginning of the Chicory season - the chicory ears can be cut off. The roots will then sprout again! This means you can harvest chicory over and over again throughout the winter.
Tips & Tricks
Even if the chicory is quickly forgotten when it is hidden in the dark, do not forget to provide it with water on a regular basis!