How to Grow Chicory Endive Witloof Totem
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Chicory Endive Witloof Totem
Cichorium intybus var. foliosum
vegetableWitloof chicory is a forcing chicory variety bred to produce tight, pale chicons (blanched heads) through a two-stage growing process. The roots are first grown in the field, then dug and forced indoors in darkness to produce elongated, tender white buds with yellow leaf tips. Totem is a modern hybrid selection known for uniform, compact chicons and improved resistance to disease.
When should you plant Chicory Endive Witloof Totem in your zone?
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Example Chicory Endive Witloof Totem timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chicory Endive Witloof Totem
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Chicory Endive Witloof Totem
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; performs best in cooler climates for field growing (zones 4-7)
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Seedling
2-3 weeksThin, delicate cotyledons emerge 7-10 days after planting. First true leaves are elongated and slightly lobed.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from harsh sun initially.
Vegetative (Field Growth)
90-120 daysPlant develops a rosette of dandelion-like leaves, growing 12-18 inches tall. Underground, a long taproot develops (8-12 inches) which is the target for forcing.
Water regularly to encourage strong root development. Remove flowering shoots if they appear. Weed frequently as chicory is sensitive to competition. Provide consistent fertilization every 3-4 weeks.
Harvest & Storage (Roots)
Variable; can store 6 monthsMature roots are ready when leaves have yellowed slightly or after first frost. Roots should be 8-10 inches long and 1-1.5 inches in diameter at the crown.
Harvest roots carefully to avoid breaking. Cut off leaves 1-2 inches above the root crown. Store roots in moist sand or peat in a cool cellar (32-40°F) for up to 6 months before forcing.
Forcing (Indoor)
21-28 daysRoots are placed in darkness in warm, humid conditions (50-65°F). After 2-3 weeks, pale white chicons with yellow leaf tips emerge from the root crown, typically 4-6 inches tall.
Plant roots in moist potting mix or soil, burying them upright with crown slightly above soil surface. Keep in complete darkness; any light will cause greening and bitterness. Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture. Temperature around 55°F is optimal.
Harvest (Chicons)
Continuous harvest over 6-8 weeks per batch of rootsMature chicons are crisp, tightly packed, elongated white heads with pale yellow leaf tips. They are ready to cut when 4-6 inches tall.
Cut chicons at the base with a clean knife. Second or even third harvests may emerge from the same root, though smaller. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers during early growth; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; dust with kaolin clay; maintain adequate soil moisture to reduce plant stress.
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and
Remove debris and mulch that provides hiding places; hand-pick at night; use copper tape barriers; apply iron phosphate-based baits.
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Remove affected leaves; use yellow sticky traps; cover with fine netting; spray spinosad if severe.
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; remove infected leaves.
Uses
Salads & Raw Preparations
CulinaryFresh chicons have a pleasantly bitter, slightly nutty flavor and crisp texture ideal for raw salads, crudités platters, or as an elegant appetizer. The pale leaves are tender and less bitter than field-grown chicory. [source]
Braised & Cooked Dishes
CulinaryChicons are excellent braised in butter and stock, gratinéed with cheese, grilled, or roasted. Cooking mellows the bitterness and brings out subtle sweetness. [source]
Digestive & Liver Health
MedicinalChicory root contains inulin and other compounds traditionally used to support digestive health and liver function. The root is commonly roasted and used as a coffee substitute or herbal tea. [source]
Coffee Substitute & Beverages
HouseholdRoasted and ground chicory roots have been used for centuries as a caffeine-free coffee extender or alternative, with a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. Popular in European and New Orleans-style coffee blends. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt in the field, chicory produces attractive blue flowers that are excellent nectar and pollen sources for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Field stage: Harvest roots after the first frost or when foliage yellows, typically 120-150 days from planting. Dig carefully with a fork to avoid breaking the taproot. Cut leaves 1-2 inches above the crown. Forcing stage: Roots stored in cool conditions (32-40°F) can be forced in batches starting 3-4 weeks before desired harvest. Cut mature chicons (4-6 inches tall) at the base with a sharp knife. Keep forced roots in complete darkness to ensure pale, tender chicons. Secondary chicons may regrow after the first cutting, though they will be smaller.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Witloof chicory was developed in Belgium in the 1800s; 'witloof' means 'white leaf' in Dutch, referring to the blanched chicons created through the forcing process.
- 🌱 The forcing technique was discovered accidentally when chicory roots stored in a dark cellar sprouted pale, tender shoots—completely different from the bitter greens grown in the field.
- 🌱 Chicory root contains inulin, a type of soluble fiber that is increasingly used as a prebiotic supplement and sugar substitute in health foods and pharmaceuticals.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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