Do you want to grow chicory?
Chicory is an easy-to-grow perennial that adds beautiful color and texture to any garden. It has large, blue flowers that bloom in the summer and attract butterflies. The leaves are also edible! They have a slightly bitter taste similar to endive or radicchio. You can use them raw in salads or cooked like spinach. It’s a versatile plant with many uses!
Chicory is drought tolerant so it requires very little maintenance once established. This makes it perfect for beginner gardeners who don’t want too much upkeep but still want something beautiful in their yard all year long! Plant chicory today and watch as your plants grow into gorgeous blooms full of life this summer!
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
When is the best time of the year to plant Chicory
The best time to plant chicory is during the fall or early spring. This is because it does not like hot weather and can only grow well in cooler climates. Chicory also needs well-drained soil, so make sure to plant it in an area that has good drainage. The plants will reach a height of about 18 inches and can be spaced about 12 inches apart. Chicory blooms from July to September, so make sure to plan your garden accordingly. If you live in a warm climate, you can also grow chicory as a winter crop.
Where in the Garden Should You Plant Chicory
Chicory is a perennial plant, meaning it will come back year after year. It can be grown in either direct sunlight or partial shade.
Chicory grows best in soils that are rich in organic matter. It is a good idea to mix some compost into the soil before planting chicory. Chicory can also be planted as part of a cover crop mix. When planting chicory, it is important to make sure the crown (the part of the plant where the roots meet the stem) is at ground level. Ensure the soil around the chicory plant is loose and free of rocks. Water promptly after planting. If growing in containers, use a well-draining potting mixture.
Watering Chicory
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a hardy biennial or perennial herb that is often grown as an annual. It is a cool-season crop that does best in full sun to part shade. Chicory should be watered regularly, especially during the hot, summer months. In general, chicory should be watered whenever the top few inches of soil are dry.
Use a gentle spray to avoid washing away the soil or damaging the plants’. fragile leaves. Water at the base of the plants, rather than from above, to help prevent disease. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to water Chicory more often than those who live in a wet climate.
How to Harvest Chicory
To harvest Chicory, start by pulling the leaves out of the ground, taking care to leave some for later growth.
When harvesting Chicory, you can either cut chicory up from the roots or pull them out completely. Be sure to take care not to damage any other plants in your garden when removing Chicory plants.
Harvesting Chicory should be done during the cooler months, as the leaves will be more tender then.
Different Ways to Store Chicory
Chicory is a plant that can be stored in different ways. One way to store chicory is by drying it. Another way to store chicory is by freezing, and another way to store chicory is by canning it.
Drying is a way to store chicory that can keep it for a year. To dry chicory, you should cut the plant off at the ground and hang it upside down in a well-ventilated area. Chicory can also be dried in a dehydrator or in an oven on low heat.
Freezing is another way to store chicory. To freeze chicory, you should blanch it for three minutes in boiling water and then place it in ice water. After the chicory is frozen, you can package it in airtight bags or containers.
Canning is another way to store chicory. To chicory, you should blanch it for three minutes in boiling water and then pack it into canning jars. Then, you should simmer the jars of chicory for 30 minutes and process them for 35 minutes after that.
Other things of interest about Chicory
- Chicory is a natural coffee substitute.
- Chicory can also be drunk as tea.
- The best time to drink chicory tea is late in the day or before bedtime because it has ingredients that are known for their sleep inducing qualities.
- It tastes earthy and has an acquired taste so it’s not one of those things you enjoy drinking right away, but if given the time it might become your new favorite beverage.
- Chicory root can also be ground up and used as a coffee substitute in baking.
- Chicory is high in antioxidants.
- Chicory is a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
- Chicory has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Chicory tea may help to improve digestion.
- Chicory was once used to treat scurvy and may prevent cancer because of its high vitamin c content.
Conclusion: Chicory is an easy-to-grow perennial that adds beautiful color and texture to any garden. It has large, blue flowers that bloom in the summer and attract butterflies. The leaves are also edible! They have a slightly bitter taste similar to endive or radicchio. You can use them raw in salads or cooked like spinach. It’s a versatile plant with many uses!