Chicory Brussels Witloof

When to Sow Brussels Witloof Seeds

April and May  (June/July when forcing)

Where to Sow

Sow direct in the growing site in well prepared humus rich soil, 1cm deep in rows 40cm apart

What to do next

When the seedlings form a third leaf, thin to 20cm apart. Take leaves as required. Lift roots in autumn, trim off leaves and lower part of roots, plant close together in boxes water and cover with black polythene.

FORCING TYPE
Seed sown early in the early summer should have produced good size plants by early autumn.  Dig these up and transfer, planting into large containers. Use a good compost and sand. Trim the top of the plant off leaving a stub of plant about 3cm above groung level. These should be covered with a bucket or something of similar size.  A large plant pot is good but ensure the drainage holes are well covered to stop any light from getting in.  Light will cause the leaves to be bitter tasting. Put in a dark, warm place at a temperature of at least 10cm and in 3 to 6 weeks the plants should be about 20cm tall. At this time they can be harvested. Leave the roots in the same pot as the shoots will continue to grow back as you pick throughout winter so you'll have a continuous supply of crisp leaves. The leaves may get smaller after the first harvest.

Maturity

November to March

Handy Tip

Kept frost free, the chicons are ready when 10-12cm long. The warmer the storage is, the earlier will be the chicons.