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Chicory Catalogna Asparago
Cichorium intybus var. catalogna
vegetableChicory Catalogna Asparago is an Italian heirloom variety of asparagus chicory known for its tender, leafy shoots that resemble thin asparagus spears. This frost-hardy green is prized for its mild, slightly bitter flavor and delicate texture. It's a cool-season crop that produces abundant edible shoots over an extended harvest period.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone βThrives in zones 4-9; excellent for cool-season gardening in spring and fall
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Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves; delicate and narrow foliage
Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright light; thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 inches tall
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops rosette of narrow, deeply lobed green leaves; stems begin to elongate
Maintain consistent watering; apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; thin to final spacing if needed
Shoot Development
2-3 weeksTender, thin asparagus-like shoots emerge from the center and leaf axils; shoots 4-8 inches long
Harvest outer shoots regularly to encourage continued production; keep soil consistently moist; avoid overhead watering to prevent disease
Peak Harvest
3-4 weeksMultiple tender shoots available for harvesting; plant maintains compact, productive growth
Harvest shoots when 4-6 inches long and still tender; pick regularly to encourage more sprouting; fertilize every 2 weeks
Late Harvest/Bolting
2-3 weeksShoots may become tougher and more fibrous; plant may bolt as temperatures warm or change
Continue harvesting tender shoots; provide shade cloth in warm weather to extend season; consider end of season if plant bolts significantly
Common Pests
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Use row covers over young plants; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove affected leaves
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Strong spray of water to dislodge; insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Remove affected leaves; use yellow sticky traps; apply spinosad if infestation is severe
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and
Remove plant debris; hand-pick at dusk; use copper barriers; beer traps; encourage ground beetles
Uses
Tender shoots for sautΓ©ing and cooking
CulinaryThe delicate asparagus-like shoots can be lightly sautΓ©ed in olive oil with garlic, steamed, or blanched. They have a mild, slightly bitter chicory flavor that complements Mediterranean dishes. [source]
Fresh salads and raw preparations
CulinaryYoung, tender shoots and leaves can be eaten raw in salads, offering a crisp texture and subtly bitter flavor. Often used in Italian cuisine as part of mixed green salads. [source]
Braising and gratin dishes
CulinaryThe shoots work beautifully in braises, gratins, and as a side vegetable cooked with cream, cheese, or butter, similar to asparagus preparation. [source]
Digestive and bitter tonic properties
MedicinalLike other chicories, Catalogna contains inulin and bitter compounds that may support digestive health and stimulate appetite as a traditional bitter herbal tonic. [source]
Cool-season crop extension
HouseholdGrows prolifically in spring and fall, extending the season of fresh homegrown greens when summer vegetables have bolted and winter crops are not yet ready. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when shoots reach 4-6 inches long and are tender; snap or cut shoots just above the base to encourage more growth; harvest regularly every 2-3 days during peak season; best harvested in early morning when crisp and cool; continue harvesting until shoots become tough or plant bolts; the entire young shoot including the small leaves is edible
Fun Facts
- π± Catalogna Asparago is a traditional Italian heirloom variety that has been cultivated for centuries, particularly in northern Italy where it's still a beloved seasonal delicacy.
- π± Despite being called 'asparagus chicory,' it's not actually asparagus but a specialty chicory variety bred to produce tender shoots that mimic asparagus in appearance and texture.
- π± The plant is remarkably cold-hardy and actually improves in flavor after a light frost, making it excellent for fall and early spring harvests when many other greens have finished.
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