Chichorium intybus - Plant

Planting and care

It is more common on gravel or chalk, especially on the downs of the south-east coast, and in places where the soil is of a light and sandy nature, when it is freely to be found on waste land.

Caring for Chichorium intybus

• Arrange the soil. Chicory can live or grow within well drained land where is fertile with nutrients.
• Spread the plant/seeds for 9 inches to 1.5 foot apart with 1.5 inches deep.
• Expect the plant/seeds to sprout and separate seedlings to have them grown up over 8 inches apart.
• Remove the wild weeds from your sprouts and spray water onto them well.
• This phase is the time when seed Chicory starts to shoot or germinate.
• Trim their roots on a straight line, one to three inches above its crown.
• Grow the cut roots to stimulate the crown to be one or three inches on top of the ground.
• Store other upturned pots above the root tops.
• The tender and small leaves are harvested after around 7 weeks.

Typical uses of Chichorium intybus

Special features: Chicory has become a significant weed in some areas.

Culinary use: Many varieties are cultivated for salad leaves, chicons (blanched buds), or for roots, which are baked, ground, and used as a coffee substitute and additive.

Ornamental use: The plant is used for ornamental purpose. Its generally kep indoor in living room and in terrac area.

Medicinal use: Chicory is used for loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation, liver and gallbladder disorders, cancer, and rapid heartbeat. etc.

References

• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a677
• https://auntiedogmasgardenspot.wordpress.com/2014/10/01/chicory-cichorium-intybus-how-to-grow-and-benefits/