Cultivation

Open-field cultivation of witloof chicory

Cichorium intybus L. (Leaf Chicory Group)

Open-field cultivation of witloof chicory is the first stage of the cycle, aimed not at obtaining a finished product, but at producing rootstocks for subsequent forcing.

In the reference 9 varieties crop Chicory, where this is mentioned in the description.

In open fields, chicory is grown to build vegetative mass and develop a rootstock that serves as planting material for winter forcing of chicons. Early sowing in cold soil is unacceptable, as it triggers premature bolting in the first year, making the rootstock unsuitable for further use.

High-quality raw material requires deeply tilled, loose, and fertile soils without mechanical obstructions, which ensure proper development of the taproot. Harvesting of the rootstocks is carried out in autumn after the period of nutrient translocation from the leaves, after which they are sorted and prepared for storage for subsequent forcing in darkness.

General information about the subject — on the page Open field.

Sources8

Varieties of 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.