Chicory Brussels Witloof – Grow Belgian Endive for Crisp, Nutritious Winter Harvests

About Chicory Brussels Witloof

Chicory Brussels Witloof, also known as Belgian Endive or Witloof Chicory, is a unique cool-season vegetable prized for its crisp, pale heads called chicons. These tightly packed, torpedo-shaped sprouts have a mild, slightly bitter flavor that becomes sweeter after blanching. Traditionally grown in two stages—root development followed by indoor forcing—this European heirloom variety is perfect for organic gardeners seeking something distinctive, nutritious, and winter-hardy.

At OrganicIndiaSeeds.com, we provide authentic Chicory Brussels Witloof seeds so you can enjoy gourmet-quality endives grown right in your own garden.

Why Grow Chicory Brussels Witloof

There are many reasons to grow Chicory Brussels Witloof in your organic garden:

  • Produces crisp, tender heads ideal for salads, grilling, or braising

  • Grows well in cool climates and low-light conditions

  • Offers a unique two-stage growing experience—a gardener’s delight

  • Rich in fiber, folate, potassium, and prebiotics

  • Perfect for fall and winter harvesting

When to Plant Chicory Brussels Witloof Seeds

To grow successful Belgian endive, plant your seeds:

  • In mid to late summer, about 85–100 days before first frost

  • Allows for strong root development before winter forcing

  • Ideal soil temperatures for germination: 15–20°C (59–68°F)

  • Can be started indoors and transplanted, or direct sown outdoors

Where to Plant Chicory Brussels Witloof

Chicory Brussels Witloof thrives in:

  • Full sun to partial shade during root growth

  • Loose, deep, and well-draining soil, free of rocks for straight root development

  • Raised beds or rows amended with organic compost

  • Indoors or in a cool, dark cellar for the forcing stage

How to Plant Chicory Brussels Witloof Seeds

  1. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, 6 inches apart in rows spaced 12–18 inches apart

  2. Thin seedlings once they reach 2–3 inches tall

  3. Water consistently—avoid letting soil dry out

  4. Allow roots to grow and mature for 3–4 months

  5. After harvest, trim leaves and begin forcing stage indoors for chicon formation

How to Care for Chicory Brussels Witloof

  • Water regularly for even root development

  • Use organic compost or balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks

  • Weed the area to reduce competition and keep soil loose

  • Cover roots with sawdust or potting mix in a dark space for forcing

  • Maintain cool temps (10–16°C or 50–60°F) and no light during forcing for white chicons

Companion Plants for Chicory Brussels Witloof

Chicory Brussels Witloof grows well with:

  • Carrots, beets, radishes, and onions, which enjoy similar soil and spacing

  • Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach

  • Avoid planting near pole beans or aggressive root crops

Harvesting Chicory Brussels Witloof

  • Harvest roots when they are 1–2 inches thick and 8–10 inches long (in fall)

  • Trim leaves to 1 inch above root and store roots in a cool place for 2–3 weeks

  • Force roots by planting upright in a bucket of soil, covering with soil or sand

  • In 3–5 weeks, harvest tight, white chicons as they emerge

  • Cut at the base and use fresh or cooked

Uses of Chicory Brussels Witloof

  • Eaten raw in salads, paired with citrus, blue cheese, or walnuts

  • Delicious grilled, roasted, or braised in butter and herbs

  • Used in Belgian and French cuisine for both savory and sweet dishes

  • Excellent for gut health thanks to its high inulin content

  • Keeps well in the fridge and stores for up to two weeks

Final Thoughts on Growing Chicory Brussels Witloof

Chicory Brussels Witloof is a unique cool-season vegetable that offers a gourmet experience from seed to plate. With its dual growing stages and refined culinary uses, it’s a rewarding crop for gardeners who love flavor, technique, and nutrition.

Order your Chicory Brussels Witloof seeds today from OrganicIndiaSeeds.com and add this sophisticated, winter-friendly crop to your organic garden rotation.

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