Chicory – Emerald Catalogna

Description

Emerald Catalogna Chicory (A.K.A. Italian Dandelion, Catalogna Emerald Endive, Italian Dandelion Endive)

200 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 52–83 Days

Sun Requirements: Full sun (6–8 hours); tolerates partial shade in hot weather to prevent wilting

Botanical Name: Cichorium intybus

Emerald Catalogna Chicory (also known as Italian Dandelion) is a vigorous heirloom green cherished for its crisp, emerald-green leaves and pleasantly bold, asparagus-like flavor. Though often labeled as part of the endive family, this fast-growing chicory thrives in cool weather and is equally at home in spring or fall gardens.

Plants typically grow 9–16″ tall and about 8–12″ wide, with long, tender leaves that resemble dandelion greens and have a crisp white central vein. While full-sized plants provide a bold, slightly bitter leaf ideal for braising or sautéing, many gardeners prefer to harvest it young for salads—when the texture is more delicate and the flavor milder. The leaves and tender spring stalks have excellent texture and develop a sweeter flavor sweeter when touched by cool weather.

Rich in vitamins A and K, iron, and fiber, this Italian classic brings nutrition and flavor to the table!

Planting Instructions for Emerald Catalogna Chicory Seeds

When to Plant:
For a spring harvest of Emerald Catalogna Chicory, start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost date and transplant outdoors once the soil can be worked—about 4 weeks before the last frost. For a fall crop of this Italian Dandelion-type chicory, direct sow seeds 52–83 days before your first expected fall frost. In regions with mild winters, a winter crop of Emerald Catalogna may also be sown even later.

How to Plant:
Sow Emerald Catalogna Chicory seeds ¼″ deep in fertile, well-drained soil. Indoors, plant in trays and thin seedlings to 6″ apart after germination. Harden off before transplanting, spacing plants 12″ apart in rows. For direct sowing, water the soil first, broadcast seeds evenly, and cover lightly with about ⅓″ of fine soil. Once seedlings emerge, thin to stand 12″ apart in all directions.

Sun & Soil Requirements:
Emerald Catalogna Chicory thrives in full sun and grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5 or higher). Incorporate compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting, but avoid excess nitrogen once established to prevent bitterness in the leaves.

Watering & Maintenance:
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during germination and early growth of Emerald Catalogna. Apply 1–2″ of water per week. Avoid wetting leaves to prevent rot, and mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Optional Blanching:
To mellow flavor and tenderize inner growth of Emerald Catalogna, gather the outer leaves gently and tie them together above the crown using soft twine, string, or a wide rubber band. This creates a shaded area in the center of the plant, which helps reduce bitterness and improve tenderness. Do this about 2–3 weeks before harvest, and only when the foliage is completely dry to prevent rot.

Harvesting:
Harvest baby greens of Emerald Catalogna Chicory when leaves are tender and a few inches tall. For full-sized plants, harvest when 9–16″ tall. The crisp, white-veined leaves are excellent for sautéing, braising, or fresh use in bold salads.

Seed Saving:
As a biennial, Emerald Catalogna Chicory must overwinter to set seed. In cold climates, cut plants back to 2″ and store roots in damp sand at 33–40°F. Replant in spring. In milder areas, mulch heavily and leave in-ground. Allow plants to bolt and flower. Once seed heads are dry and brown, cut, dry completely, and clean. Store Emerald Catalogna seeds using seed-saving envelopes or a glass jar, in a cool, dry place for 4–8 years.

Pests & Diseases:
Slugs, snails, and aphids are common pests on Emerald Catalogna Chicory—control them with traps, barriers, or natural repellents. Maintain good airflow and rotate crops yearly to prevent fungal issues like downy mildew, anthracnose, and fusarium wilt. Avoid overwatering and wet leaves to reduce disease risk.

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