How to Force Chicory: A Guide for Gardeners

Chicory is a versatile plant that can be grown for its roots, leaves or flowers. It's often used in salads and can also be roasted to make a coffee substitute. If you want to harvest chicory early or grow it out of season, forcing the plants is the way to go. In this guide, we'll show you how to force chicory to get a crop of tender, sweet leaves.

What is Forced Chicory?

Forced chicory is essentially chicory that has been grown in the dark to promote long, tender leaves. The process involves depriving the plant of light in the final stages of growth, which causes it to produce long shoots of pale, tender leaves with a mild, slightly bitter flavor.

When to Force Chicory

Chicory can be grown outdoors from spring to fall, but if you want to force it, you need to do it during the cooler months when the days are shorter. October is a good time to start, but you can also begin in November or December depending on your location.

Preparing the Chicory Roots

Before you can force chicory, you need to prepare the roots. Start by digging up the plants you want to force, being careful not to damage the roots. Cut off the leaves about 1 inch above the crown and trim the roots to about 4 inches in length.

Forcing chicory roots in the dark

The next step is to pack the roots tightly together in a container filled with damp sand or compost. Make sure the roots are touching each other but not overlapping, as this can cause mold and rot.

Forcing Chicory in the Dark

Once the roots are packed, cover them with a layer of soil or more compost, leaving only the crowns exposed. Then place the container in a cool, dark place like a cellar or a garage. The temperature should be around 50°F to 60°F for best results.

Forcing chicory in the dark

Check the roots every few days to make sure they're still moist. If they start to dry out, sprinkle some water over the top of the soil or compost. After about three weeks, the chicory should be ready to harvest.

Harvesting Forced Chicory

To harvest forced chicory, carefully lift the roots out of the container and cut off the leaves with a sharp knife. The leaves should come away easily, leaving the crowns intact so you can replant them later if you wish. Rinse the leaves in cold water and pat them dry before using them in salads or other dishes.

Harvesting forced chicory

Tips for Success

• Choose healthy, strong plants to force.
• Make sure the roots are packed tightly but not overlapping in the container.
• Keep the roots moist but not too wet.
• Aim for a temperature between 50°F and 60°F.

With these tips and our step-by-step guide, you should be able to successfully force chicory and enjoy a crop of tender, sweet leaves even during the winter months. Happy gardening!

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