Witloof

Also known as Belgium endive, this form of chicory is grown for its mild-tasting, blanched heads called chichons which are enjoyed by gourmets either cooked or raw in salads. Grown as an annual, seedlings do not transplant well. Guidance for growing can be found online.

By autumn when the roots should have grown to the size of a parsnip, they should be lifted from the ground and the leaves cut to within 3-5cm from the top of the root.

Dig a trench 15cm deep in the garden and replant the roots upright, side by side and re-cover with either soil, sand or sawdust. A drum or box can be used for this operation, rather than planting back into the garden. After a few weeks, add another 15-20cm of soil or covering over the roots, excluding all light. The chichons will be ready to use in approximately 9-12 weeks.