Chicory Sugarleaf
Cichorium Intybus
Early self-blanching chicory with crisp, mildly bitter heads. Ideal for autumn harvests and delicious steamed or fresh in salads.
Description
Chicory Sugarleaf – Cichorium intybus
Introduction
Sugarleaf Chicory, also called Pain de Sucre, is a cultivated variety of wild chicory that forms compact, upright heads with pale green, crunchy leaves. Known for its mild bitterness, it's a traditional autumn vegetable that self-blanches and is easy to grow for both beginners and gourmet gardeners.
Origin and Botanical Family
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Origin: Europe
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Family: Asteraceae
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Background: Cultivated since the 17th century in Europe, especially in France and Italy, where it's valued for its winter hardiness and unique taste.
Botanical Description
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Height: 30 to 40 cm
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Form: Upright, compact head
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Leaves: Oblong, smooth, light green
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Special features: Blanches naturally as heads mature
Sowing and Growing Conditions
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Sowing period: June to July, directly in open ground
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Germination temperature: 16–20 °C
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Germination time: 10–14 days
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Depth and spacing: 1 cm deep, 25 cm between plants, 30 cm between rows
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Soil: Rich, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline
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Light: Full sun to partial shade
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Thinning: At 3–4 leaf stage
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Watering: Regular moisture is key for optimal development
Care and Maintenance
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Tasks: Weed regularly, mulch base, keep watered
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Blanching: In autumn, cover heads lightly with a pot or tunnel
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Pests/Diseases: Watch for slugs and fungal spots
Harvest
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Harvest period: September to November
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Signs of readiness: Head is firm, leaves paler
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Yield: 2–3 heads per m²
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Storage: Cool storage or fridge, up to 2 weeks
Garden Use
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Placement: In late-season rows
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Companion plants: Leek, onion, celery
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Rotation: Avoid following other chicories or lettuces
Culinary Use
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Taste: Crisp and lightly bitter
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Cooking: Raw in salads, steamed, braised
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Tip: Excellent paired with walnuts and soft cheese
Ecology and Curiosities
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Biodiversity: Attracts bees if allowed to flower
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Anecdote: Traditionally blanched in trenches in France
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Alternative growing: Suitable for raised beds and tunnels
A traditional fall vegetable that combines ease of growing with a refined bitterness and lovely crunch. A must-have for seasonal salad lovers.
Features
- Common name : Chicory Sugarleaf
- Category : vegetable
- Time to sow seeds : mid-June to end of July
- Harvest : after 90 -100 days
Expédition & livraison
How does the delivery work?
As soon as you place your order your plants are selected
Each order is processed individually.
Plants are packed, staked and labeled.
Packaging is carefully implemented to avoid any problems.
Packages are ready to be shipped.
Our delivery methods
Shipping of our plants throughout Europe (except overseas and islands).
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