Variety traits
Flower stalk — Witloof chicory
Cichorium intybus L. (Witloof Chicory Group)
The emergence of a flower stalk during the first year of Witloof chicory growth is a defect indicating premature bolting, which renders the root crop unsuitable for forcing.
In the reference 3 varieties crop Witloof chicory, where this is mentioned in the description.
For Witloof chicory, the development of a flower stalk in the first year of life is a negative trait, as the plant consumes the nutrients stored in the root to form reproductive organs. As a result, the root loses its nutritional value and becomes unsuitable for producing chicons during winter forcing.
In breeding and variety testing, this trait is assessed as an indicator of bolt resistance, where the percentage of plants that have bolted under challenging growing conditions is measured rather than the height of the flower stalk. According to quality standards, chicons should not contain a developing inflorescence exceeding three-quarters of the length of the chicon itself.
The primary causes for the appearance of a flower stalk are improper agronomic practices, specifically sowing dates that are too early, which expose young plants to low temperatures, as well as potassium deficiency in the soil.
General information about the subject — on the page Peduncle.
Varieties of Witloof chicory mentioned in the description
Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.
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