Chicory, Sugarloaf Borca (Organic)
Cichorium intybus. Sugarloaf type. 80 days.
Tall, green romaine-like “loafs” are sweet and crunchy. Usually hardy here in the Pacific Northwest all winter long, although temperatures below 20°F may damage heads. The Borca selection has had much better consistency and hardiness for us in our trials than other strains of sugarloaf. It became a staple crop for our winter CSA. Every year we look forward to winter sugarloaf salads. We also love to cook it in soups, risotto, polenta or wheat berry salad. Sugarloaf is not an endive but a true chicory and is also known as Pan di Zucchero in Italy, and Zukerhut in Germany.
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Sow indoors with good potting soil February through September. Transplant into the garden 3-4 weeks after sprouting. In our area, chicory can grow through the winter without protection but is best when sown in June or July for this purpose. Alternatively, direct sow March through August.
Seed Saving
Collect seeds from 10 or more plants in second year when seeds have dried down. Cut whole plants, place on tarp, then dance and stomp to free the seed. Or place dry plants on tarps and drive on them. Screen and winnow to clean. Isolate from other Cichorium sp. by ½ mile.
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