How to Grow Chicory Endive Witloof

Chicory Endive Witloof

Cichorium intybus var. foliosum

vegetable

Witloof chicory, also known as Belgian endive, produces tight, pale heads through a forcing process where roots are lifted and forced indoors. This cool-season vegetable is prized for its slightly bitter, tender leaves and crisp texture. The forcing technique creates the distinctive blanched, elongated heads that are gourmet staples.

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Witloof Zoom Totem Flash Grumolo Palla Rossa

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily

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Water: Consistent moisture during growth; water deeply 1-2 times weekly. Reduce water slightly before harvest to encourage root development and sugar concentration.

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Spacing: 6 inches

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Days to maturity: 110-150 days (from seed to mature roots; forcing adds 3-4 weeks)

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Planting depth: 0.5

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Balanced NPK fertilizer

Growing Zones

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Zones 4-8; cooler climates ideal for outdoor root development

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Small cotyledons emerge with first true leaves appearing. Plants develop 2-4 leaves with characteristic serrated margins.

Thin seedlings to 6-inch spacing once they reach 3-4 inches tall. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent legginess.

Vegetative

8-12 weeks

Deep-rooted rosette forms with long, dandelion-like leaves growing 8-12 inches tall. Plant develops substantial taproot system.

Maintain consistent moisture and mulch to retain soil moisture. Remove any flower buds that form. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 3 weeks.

Root Development

4-6 weeks

Foliage matures fully and roots deepen and thicken underground. Plant stores energy and sugars in the root system.

Reduce watering frequency to encourage deeper rooting. Stop fertilizing 4 weeks before planned harvest. Monitor for bolting in warm weather.

Forcing

3-4 weeks

Harvested roots are stored in cool conditions, then replanted in dark, warm (50-60°F), humid environment. Blanched heads develop from root crowns.

Store roots in moist sand or peat at 32-40°F for up to 3 months. Plant roots vertically in forcing medium (soil or peat). Keep in complete darkness; water lightly.

Harvest Ready

Ready to cut once heads form

Tight, elongated heads with pale yellow or white leaves emerge from the root crown. Heads are 4-6 inches long and firm.

Harvest when heads reach desired size. Cut heads at the base of the crown. Roots can be forced again for smaller secondary heads.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Thyme Sage Borage Dill Chamomile Beets Carrots

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Anise Potatoes Tomatoes Cabbage family plants

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
and
Handpick, especially in evening. Use copper tape barriers or diatomaceous earth. Beer traps in containers.
Row covers for young plants. Dust with diatomaceous earth or neem oil. Remove infected leaves.
Remove affected leaves promptly. Use row covers to prevent egg-laying. Spinosad as last resort.
Improve air circulation. Spray with sulfur or baking soda solution. Remove infected leaves.

Uses

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Gourmet salads & cooking

Culinary

Witloof heads are prized in European cuisine, especially Belgian dishes. Tender blanched leaves have a pleasant bitter taste that adds sophistication to salads and can be braised, grilled, or used in composed dishes. [source]

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Nutritional powerhouse

Culinary

Rich in inulin (a prebiotic fiber), chicory supports digestive health and provides vitamins and minerals including folate, vitamin K, and manganese. [source]

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Digestive & liver support

Medicinal

Traditionally used in herbal medicine to support digestive function and liver health. The bitter compounds stimulate bile production and aid in nutrient absorption. [source]

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Coffee substitute & root beverage

Household

Chicory root has historically been roasted and ground as a coffee substitute or additive, known as chicory coffee, which is caffeine-free and popular in New Orleans-style coffee blends. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

If allowed to bolt, chicory produces beautiful blue flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting garden ecosystem health. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Dig roots in fall after 3-4 months of growth, once they are 1-1.5 inches in diameter and 8-12 inches long. Trim foliage to 1 inch above crown. Store roots at 32-40°F in moist sand or peat for up to 3 months. Force roots indoors in batches for continuous fresh supply. Cut blanched heads when 4-6 inches long by cutting just above the root crown. Roots can often be forced again for smaller secondary heads.

Fun Facts

🌱 Witloof chicory was accidentally discovered in Belgium in the 1840s when a farmer stored chicory roots in a dark cellar and found they had sprouted pale, tender heads—this forced production method is still used today.
🌱 The name 'Witloof' comes from Flemish 'wit loof' meaning 'white leaf,' referring to the blanched heads created through the forcing process.
🌱 A single chicory root can be forced multiple times, producing first a large head, then several smaller secondary heads from the same root, making it an efficient forcing vegetable.

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