How to Grow Chicory and Puntarelle
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Chicory and Puntarelle
Cichorium intybus var. foliosum (Puntarelle)
vegetablePuntarelle (also called Catalogna chicory or asparagus chicory) is a Mediterranean chicory variety prized for its tender, elongated shoots and slightly bitter flavor. It's a cool-season leafy green that produces both tender inner leaves and distinctive thin, spike-like shoots that resemble asparagus. This Italian specialty vegetable is increasingly popular in gourmet cooking and farmers markets.
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Example Chicory and Puntarelle timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chicory and Puntarelle
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 and Puntarelle
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-9 for spring and fall crops; zones 8-9 for winter harvests
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout in 7-10 days. Seedlings develop first true leaves with characteristic serrated edges.
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops deeply cut, feathery green leaves that form a loose rosette. Root system expands.
Water regularly and deeply. Apply 1-2 inches of mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Shoot Development
2-3 weeksTender, thin, spike-like shoots emerge from the center and leaf axils, resembling asparagus spears. These are the prized harvesting parts.
Stop heavy nitrogen feeding; shift to balanced or slightly higher potassium fertilizer to encourage shoot quality. Maintain consistent moisture to prevent tough, stringy shoots.
Bolting (Spring Crops)
Occurs as temperatures warm or photoperiod lengthensIn warm weather or as day length increases, the plant produces a central flower stalk with small blue or white flowers.
In spring crops, this signals end of harvestable season. In fall/winter crops in mild zones, bolting occurs less or much later.
Harvest & Regrowth
Variable; typically ends with bolting in spring or winter dormancyAfter initial cut harvests, some regrowth of smaller shoots may occur if plant is not completely harvested.
Cut shoots cleanly at base. If harvesting leaves, cut outer leaves first, leaving inner leaves and growing point intact for regrowth.
Common Pests
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Row covers on young plants, neem oil spray, kaolin clay, encourage beneficial insects
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Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, release of ladybugs
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and
(Limax and Helix spp.)
Handpick, copper tape barriers, beer traps, diatomaceous earth, encourage ground beetles
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Handpicking, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), neem oil, row covers
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Row covers, neem oil, spinosad, beneficial insects
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and
(fungal)
Improve drainage, avoid overhead watering, sulfur spray, ensure good air circulation
Uses
Italian Vegetable Specialty
CulinaryPuntarelle shoots are a traditional Roman vegetable, served raw with anchovy vinaigrette, grilled, sautéed, or added to pasta dishes. The tender shoots have a slightly bitter, asparagus-like flavor that becomes mild and sweet when cooked. [source]
Salad & Raw Greens
CulinaryYoung, tender inner leaves and shoots can be eaten raw in salads for a distinctive bitter flavor that enhances complex salad blends. Often paired with citrus, nuts, or rich dressings. [source]
Digestive & Liver Support
MedicinalChicory root and leaves have long been used in traditional medicine to support digestive function and liver health, containing inulin (a prebiotic fiber) and bitter compounds that stimulate digestion. [source]
Chicory Root Coffee Substitute
HouseholdThe root can be dried, roasted, and ground as a caffeine-free coffee substitute or additive, popular in New Orleans and European coffee traditions. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Plant
WildlifePuntarelle flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. The flowers also provide nectar for hoverflies and parasitic wasps that control garden pests. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest shoots when 3-6 inches long and before they become tough or flower. Cut at the base with a sharp knife. For continuous harvest, pick outer shoots first, leaving inner growth point intact. In fall/winter crops, plants can be harvested multiple times. For leaf chicory, harvest outer leaves first when 6-8 inches long. Best flavor is mild in cool weather; becomes increasingly bitter in heat. Harvest in early morning for crispest shoots.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Puntarelle is often called 'asparagus chicory' because its tender shoots closely resemble asparagus spears in appearance and are prepared similarly, yet it grows as a leafy green in just 60-90 days rather than requiring years to establish.
- 🌱 Chicory has been cultivated for over 5,000 years and was used by ancient Egyptians for both food and medicine; it remains a staple in Mediterranean, particularly Italian and Belgian, vegetable gardens.
- 🌱 The plant's deep taproot can extend 3-4 feet into the soil, making it excellent for breaking up compacted earth and accumulating deep mineral nutrients—a valuable regenerative agriculture quality.
Gardening Terms
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