Early chicory seed Bingo

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New! Early, adaptable witloof variety. Belgian endive, or witloof, has a 2-stage production system to achieve the blanched heads (or "chicon") which are a venerated European delicacy and welcome off-season leafy vegetable. Bingo is a vast improvement over Totem, which it replaced, for its superior performance; more uniform root size across a wider range of soil types; improved strength against internal browning of the root core; and improved foliage health against powdery mildew. Early to intermediate forcing period. Bingo is ready shortly after a fall harvest in October/November and continues to store and force well into March. Specs: • Packet: 200 seeds • Avg. 227,300 seeds/lb SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cichorium intybus CULTURE: Belgian endive may be grown for harvest of fresh greens throughout the winter. Complete cultural and forcing instructions are included with the seeds, and are linked to above. PLANTING: Sow seeds ¾–1" apart (about 18 seeds/ft.), ¼–½" deep, in single rows 16–24" apart for 3 rows planted on a wide bed. Planting in a band can help ensure a good stand. Ensure that the soil does not dry out during germination. Unlike carrots and parsnips, Belgian endive seeds are quite vigorous and should germinate quickly. A few weeks after emergence and around the time of the first cultivation, thin the seedlings to 2–3" apart. HARVEST: Dig roots in mid- to late fall or after a few light frosts and store like carrots at 32°F (0°C). To force, remove from cold storage after 6–10 weeks to a cool, 55–70°F (13–21°C) room. Keep in complete darkness. Harvest chicons when they become dense, in about 21–29 days.