Chicory, Forcing , Witloof De Bruxelles - Culinary

Cichorium intybus var foliosum,  Blue Sailors, Forcing Endive - (Ancient Egypt) (1850 into uk) Also known as Brussels Witloof, early broad-leafed forcing variety, a type of chicory cultivated for its blanched, elongated leaves,  called a "chicon" , a large thick stemmed or cream-yellowish, compact oval head of overlapping leaves produced from a harvested tap root, , resulting in a crisp, slightly bitter salad green  used young as a popular winter salad crop, enjoyed for its unique flavour and texture.  The white 'chicons' are 'forced' late winter by bringing the roots into a dark but warm place, Flowers Mid-Summer, are a beautiful azure blue, hence the common name, Seed Count Approx - 500 avg 

  SOWING - Sow normally in the open ground in Spring, thinning to 6 in, Keep weed free thru summer & water in dry conditions. Late autumn cut back foliage to (25mm) of the crown. Lift roots & store horizontally in dark. Replant under protection Jan & cover for 4 wks