Witloof Chicory (Endive) Seeds
Belgian Endive • Cool Season Crop
California Warm Climate Tested
Grow witloof chicory for crisp, pale endive heads and tender winter greens.
Easy Grow Info
Lift mature roots in late fall and force indoors in darkness to produce blanched heads.
Sun
Full sun
Type
Cool season biennial (grown as annual for roots)
Start Method
Direct sow
Height
12–18 in (leaf stage)
About Witloof Chicory
Witloof chicory is grown differently from leafy endives. In the first season, plants develop long taproots. These roots are then lifted and “forced” in darkness to produce tight, pale heads known as Belgian endive. The blanched leaves are crisp and mildly bitter, ideal for fresh salads, braising, or light sautéing.
If left unforced, the outer green leaves can also be harvested earlier as cooking greens. Witloof offers gardeners a unique cool-season project, producing a refined winter vegetable from roots grown in the garden.
Grower’s Corner
Grower’s Corner: How to Grow and Force Witloof Chicory
Read the full guide on Grower’s Corner.
Grower’s Corner • 5–7 min read
Read the guide