Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory Seeds

• Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory
• The narrow-leaf puntarelle chicory Plant
• How to Sow Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory
• How to Grow Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory
• Tips for Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory
• Diseases and Pests of Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory
• Uses and Curiosities of Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory

Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory

Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory, also called asparagus chicory for how much its shoots resemble asparagus spears, is a medium-early variety notable for its long, narrow, almost thread-like young leaves, with pronounced white ribs and edges that are only slightly or not at all jagged.

The narrow-leaf puntarelle chicory Plant

The plant has an upright habit and forms an elongated, voluminous, compact head, deep to dark green in color, which can weigh up to 2 kg. The long, narrow leaves, with nearly smooth edges, enclose numerous large, meaty shoots.

How to Sow Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory

Direct-sow between July and August, at a depth of about 0.4-1 cm, spacing 20-30 cm along the row and 40-45 cm between rows. Harvest generally runs from November to January, about 90 days after sowing or transplanting.

How to Grow Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory

It's a hardy, widely adaptable plant with fair tolerance to low temperatures, although it prefers a temperate climate with sunny exposure and does not tolerate persistent frost. The ideal growing temperature is around 15-20 °C, with a minimum of about 5 °C. Ideal soil has a pH of 5.5-6.5, medium-textured, fertile, cool and with good water retention.

Tips for Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory

Thanks to its cold tolerance, it's well suited to autumn vegetable gardens, provided the soil stays cool and well worked. Regular, moderate watering encourages the development of more tender, meaty shoots.

Diseases and Pests of Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory

Like other cultivated chicories, it can be affected by aphids and slugs on young leaves, as well as root rot in cases of prolonged waterlogging. Good drainage and proper crop rotation are the best preventive defenses.

Uses and Curiosities of Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory

Narrow-Leaf Puntarelle Chicory is grown mainly for its central shoots, which are cut, shredded and dressed raw in salads or lightly blanched, while the more tender outer leaves can also be cooked. The plant's thick flower stalks resemble asparagus spears, hence its nickname.