Chicory, 'Puntarelle'

Germination

Requires a prepared soil with plenty of compost. Rake a general fertilizer in a few days before sowing. Sow directly in late spring. Sow seed thinly 15mm deep in rows 25cm apart. Ideal temp. 10-21°C. Germination takes 7-10 days approx. Thin seedlings to 30cm spacing. Water until established. Harvest heads in autumn or if harvesting later offer cloche protection.

Growing

Prefers a finely prepared, well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Keep soil moist.

Cultivation

To harvest chicory simply cut away just above the crown, this may allow a second chicon to form. This variety is quite bitter. Bitterness may be reduced by steeping the harvested, washed leaves in ice-cold water for at least 30 minutes.