Italian Dandelion & Chicory Seeds - Heirloom, Annual, Fast Growing for Culinary & Vegetable Gardens - 600 Pieces

Italian Dandelion & Chicory Seeds – Heirloom, Annual, Fast Growing for Culinary & Vegetable Gardens

Key Features:

• Product Name: Italian Dandelion & Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
• Quantity: Available in packs of 100, 500, or 1000 seeds
• Mature Height: 12-24 inches, depending on growing conditions
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5
• Uses:
  • Culinary: Leaves are perfect for salads, sautéing, or adding to soups. The roots can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
  • Vegetable Garden: Ideal for creating a nutritious, edible, and flavorful addition to your vegetable patch.

Product Details:

• Germination Rate: High, with fresh, non-GMO seeds ensuring robust growth
• Seed Freshness: New seeds for optimal germination
• Sourcing: Sustainably grown and harvested
• Shelf Life: Best used within one year for maximum germination

Planting Instructions:

Seed Preparation:

• No special preparation required for seeds.
• For faster germination, soak seeds for 12-24 hours before sowing.

Sowing Instructions:

• Outdoor Sowing:

  • Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost date.
  • Plant seeds about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep in rows 12-18 inches apart.
  • Thin seedlings to allow for adequate space between plants once they emerge.
  • Chicory and dandelion plants benefit from good air circulation, so ensure enough space in between plants.

• Indoor Sowing (Optional):

  • Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost in biodegradable pots.
  • Transplant seedlings outdoors after the frost risk has passed and when they have at least two sets of true leaves.

Germination:

• Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days, depending on temperature and moisture conditions.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering:

• Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Water at the base of the plants to encourage strong root development.

Fertilization:

• Fertilize with a balanced, organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to ensure strong growth. Adding compost can also enhance soil fertility.

Weeding & Mulching:

• Keep the garden bed free from weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture.
• Apply mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cool.

Pest & Disease Control:

• Chicory and dandelion are generally hardy plants but can be susceptible to aphids or slugs. Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.

Harvesting & Use:

• Harvest Time: You can begin harvesting young leaves in about 30-45 days for a milder flavor, or wait for more mature leaves for a stronger taste. For the roots, dig them up in the fall after the plant matures.
• Culinary Uses:
  • Leaves: Great for salads, sautés, or as a cooked green.
  • Roots: Can be harvested, roasted, and ground as a coffee substitute or used in herbal teas.

Italian Dandelion & Chicory are perfect for those looking for versatile, easy-to-grow, and nutritious additions to the garden. Whether for culinary use or as part of a vegetable garden, these heirloom plants thrive in a variety of settings and provide delicious, edible greens and roots. Happy gardening!