Mid-Early Sugarloaf Chicory Seeds

• Mid-Early Sugarloaf Chicory
• The mid-early sugarloaf chicory Plant
• How to Sow Mid-Early Sugarloaf Chicory
• How to Grow Mid-Early Sugarloaf Chicory
• Tips for Growing Mid-Early Sugarloaf Chicory
• Diseases and Pests of Mid-Early Sugarloaf Chicory
• Properties and Nutritional Values

Mid-Early Sugarloaf Chicory

This selection of sugarloaf chicory has a mid-early cycle, forming an oval, subcylindrical and elongated head, rounded and tightly compact at the collar: voluminous, heavy and medium green in colour, with a marked tendency to regrow after the first cut.

The mid-early sugarloaf chicory Plant

It belongs to the species Cichorium intybus var. foliosum, family Asteraceae. The leaf is broad, long and rounded, with a marked central rib and pronounced opalescent white veins; the head, compact and tight at the base, gradually opens upward into a voluminous leaf tuft.

How to Sow Mid-Early Sugarloaf Chicory

Sowing takes place from April to August, with staggered harvests from June to October. It favours the seedbed technique, with subsequent transplanting in rows spaced about 30 cm apart, to encourage even head development.

How to Grow Mid-Early Sugarloaf Chicory

It has fair tolerance to low temperatures, though it prefers a temperate climate with sunny exposure, and cannot withstand persistent frost. The optimal growth temperature is between 15 and 20°C, with a minimum of 5°C; the ideal soil has a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, medium-textured, fertile and with good water retention.

Tips for Growing Mid-Early Sugarloaf Chicory

Thanks to its natural regrowth tendency, after the first cut the head can be left in the field for a second flush of leaves, cutting slightly higher above the collar. It is advisable to stagger sowings and alternate varieties for continuous harvests over time.

Diseases and Pests of Mid-Early Sugarloaf Chicory

The main issues are powdery mildew, downy mildew and rust among fungal diseases, plus root rot in cases of prolonged waterlogging. Avoiding succession with other composite crops (artichoke, cardoon, endive, lettuce) helps keep the soil healthy.

Properties and Nutritional Values

It contains fair amounts of minerals such as potassium and vitamins including provitamin A and vitamin C, with a traditional beneficial effect on the liver and bile ducts. Its slightly bitter taste makes it versatile both raw in salads and cooked as a side dish.