The chicory is ideal for salads when you are on a diet or
simply want to improve the quality of your food. It is more bitter than lettuce
and cabbage but has incredible benefits for the body.
Whenever you can, it is best to grow your own food you eat and
the chicory is no exception; so we give you some ideas and suggestions for the
cultivation of chicory.
First, note that is not the same plant chicory for domestic
use to industrial use. Care may vary although the requirements for the crop to
grow are very similar.
Relative to the ground, there are not many specific
requirements, however as the chicory root is a plant it is best that the soil
is deep for the root garment well. The soil may be alkaline or slightly acid
and chicory will tolerate, however can not withstand excessive moisture so that
soils where puddles of water are not the most convenient.
This is a plant that withstands drought but of course not so
excessive. You have to water it regularly and remove weeds that may form
around. It is not necessary to fertilize the soil periodically as it is
resistant to many types of soil provided they are deep.
The Chicory can live up to two years and if the care with
diligence may last a little longer. This plant is cold care. During the summer
he will be convenient to water it more regularly especially if what is sought
is to harvest the leaves of this, which are used for salads.
If the objective of growing chicory is to use the root, so
it is necessary to regulate mowing blades so that the leaf development is not
so fast.
The chicory plant is very resistant to wind, low
temperatures and drought. The best place to plant it where there is sun but can
tolerate very well shaded areas. The best type of irrigation for the
cultivation of chicory is because you need to drip water moderately and not
resist moisture or ponding water.
When can be collected chicory plant? In autumn the whole
plant can be harvested along with the root. If you want only the leaves, these
should be collected in summer and allow to dry the leaves in a dry place,
preferably in glass containers. Once dry, they are ready to eat.
