Chicory Brussels Witloof Seeds for Home Gardening - Heirloom Non-GMO Seeds with Bitterness for Culinary Use

Here’s a growing guide for Chicory Brussels Witloof Seeds:

Key Features:

• Product Name: Chicory Brussels Witloof Seeds
• Mature Height: 12-18 inches
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours of sunlight daily)
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil (pH 6.0–7.5)
• Leaf Description: Pale yellow to creamy white heads with tightly packed leaves
• Taste: Bitter and tangy, ideal for salads, sautés, or braised dishes

Product Details:

• Germination Rate: High, ensuring reliable growth
• Seed Freshness: Heirloom, non-GMO seeds for optimal germination and quality
• Shelf Life: Best used within one year for maximum viability
• Sourcing: Sustainably harvested

Planting Instructions:

Seed Preparation:

• Indoor Start: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, as Witloof chicory requires a long growing season.
• Outdoor Sowing: Direct sow outdoors after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach around 60°F (15°C).

Sowing Instructions:

• Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart, with rows spaced 18-24 inches apart.
• Planting Depth: Sow seeds ¼-½ inch deep.
• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, ensuring good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Care & Maintenance:

• Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil moist, but ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer, focusing on phosphorus and potassium to support leaf growth and bitterness.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around plants to help retain moisture, control weeds, and maintain soil temperature.

Harvesting:

• Harvest Time: 100-120 days after sowing, typically in late fall or early winter when the heads are firm and the flavor has developed.
• Harvesting Method: Cut at the base of the plant. For Witloof, the roots are often dug up and forced in darkness to grow the edible heads, a process called "forcing."

Storage:

• Storage: After harvesting, chicory roots can be stored in a cool, dark place for "forcing" or can be used fresh. The heads can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.

Enjoy growing this heirloom, flavorful vegetable with its distinct bitterness perfect for a variety of culinary dishes!