Chicory might not be the first plant that comes to mind when you think of hydroponics, but that’s precisely what makes it so intriguing! This somewhat unusual plant, often found in salads or as a cooked side dish, offers some exciting advantages. Chicory is not only easy to care for and robust, but it also develops its characteristically crunchy, slightly bitter leaves particularly well in hydroponics. Plus, when you grow chicory yourself, you can ensure that the bitter notes match your taste exactly – something that isn’t always the case with store-bought varieties.
I still vividly remember my first attempt at growing chicory in my small hydroponic system. Honestly, I was skeptical about whether it would thrive at all. But after just a few weeks, I was amazed at how splendidly the plants developed. They grew as if by magic, and the taste was incomparable! So if you’re looking for a new challenge in your hydroponic garden, chicory might be just the thing for you.
Which Chicory Varieties Are Best Suited for Hydroponics?
Not all chicory varieties are the same, and especially in hydroponics, you should pay attention to choosing the right variety. Some varieties are more resilient, others grow particularly quickly or develop a more intense flavor. Here is a selection of the best chicory varieties for your hydroponic garden:
- Zuckerhut: This variety is particularly robust and forms large heads with a mild, slightly sweet taste. It is excellent for hydroponic cultivation as it is resistant to temperature fluctuations.
- Red Chicory: A striking, red-colored variety that shines not only visually in salads. Its bitter taste is more intense than other varieties, making it particularly interesting for lovers of strong chicory aroma.
- Witloof: The classic chicory with its crunchy, white leaves. This variety is traditionally grown in the dark to develop its characteristic color and mild aroma. It is perfect for hydroponics as it requires little space and is relatively easy to care for.
When choosing a variety, consider how much space and time you want to invest. Zuckerhut takes up a bit more room, while Witloof grows compactly and can be harvested more quickly. Each variety has its own charm – and the best part is, you can try multiple varieties simultaneously in hydroponics!
The Ideal Hydroponic System for Your Chicory Cultivation
Choosing the right hydroponic system is crucial for the success of your chicory cultivation. Fortunately, chicory is quite adaptable and does well with various systems. Here are the three best options for cultivation:
- Deep Water Culture (DWC): The DWC system is ideal for chicory as it constantly supplies the roots with nutrient-rich water. Chicory needs consistent moisture, and this system provides just that. Additionally, it grows particularly quickly in this system and develops strong roots.
- Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): In NFT, a thin film of nutrient solution constantly flows along the roots. Chicory loves this constant supply of fresh nutrients, and the system is space-saving – perfect for smaller setups.
- Ebb and Flow System: This system is suitable for those who want more flexibility. Chicory tolerates it well when the roots dry out between watering cycles, which can be well controlled with the ebb and flow system.
It’s important that your system provides stable water supply and good aeration, as chicory is sensitive to stagnant water and oxygen deficiency. Choose the system that best suits your available space and resources.
How to Successfully Grow Chicory in Your Hydroponic System
The first step in growing chicory is successful germination. Fortunately, chicory is quite straightforward, but there are still a few things you should keep in mind to achieve the best results. Start by selecting seeds. Ensure you get high-quality seeds from a reputable source to ensure a good germination rate.
Germination is best started in germination boxes or seedling cubes, which are widely used in hydroponics. Rockwool cubes are excellent for chicory as they keep the seeds moist while allowing enough oxygen to reach the roots. Place the seeds about 0.5 cm deep in the substrate and maintain a constant temperature of 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. Within 7 to 14 days, the first seedlings should appear.
Once your chicory plants are about 5 cm tall and have formed their first true leaf pair, you can carefully transplant them into your hydroponic system. Be careful not to damage the delicate roots and integrate them evenly into the nutrient system. From this point on, your chicory will grow rapidly, and you can expect a harvest in about 8 to 10 weeks.
What is the Ideal Substrate for Chicory?
Choosing the right substrate is crucial in hydroponics. While chicory doesn’t have particularly demanding roots, it’s still important to choose a substrate that supports the roots well and retains enough moisture. Here are the best substrate options for chicory:
- Rockwool: Rockwool is one of the most popular options in hydroponics. It offers excellent water retention and air permeability, which is ideal for chicory. The roots can spread freely while the rockwool evenly distributes water and nutrients.
- Perlite: Perlite is also a good choice as it is lightweight and very air-permeable. It is suitable if you work in a system with good irrigation, as it retains less water than other substrates.
- Coconut Fibers: Coconut fibers are a sustainable alternative and have the advantage of retaining a lot of water without suffocating the roots. They offer a good balance between moisture and oxygen, promoting root growth.
Rockwool is particularly suitable for chicory as it provides stable and even moisture. If you’re working in a smaller system or have less experience with hydroponics, rockwool is a solid choice for consistently good results.
The Optimal Temperature for Your Chicory Cultivation
Chicory is a cold-tolerant plant that thrives best in moderate temperatures. Unlike many other plants used in hydroponics, chicory prefers cooler conditions. The optimal temperature ranges from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius. These temperatures promote growth and prevent chicory from becoming too bitter.
Too warm temperatures can slow down chicory growth and make the leaves tough and unpleasantly bitter. If the temperature rises above 20 degrees Celsius, the plant may start to bolt, forming flowers instead of producing robust leaves. Therefore, ensure that your hydroponic system is well-ventilated and that the temperature remains within the recommended range.
If you’re growing chicory indoors, it’s helpful to use a thermometer to regularly check the temperature. Especially in summer or heated rooms, it can quickly become too hot. By controlling the temperature, you can ensure that your chicory remains healthy and tasty.
How Much Light Does Chicory Need?
Chicory is a plant that naturally grows mostly in partial shade. This means it doesn’t require the same light intensity as other plants grown in hydroponics. In fact, too much light can even harm chicory, slowing its growth and increasing the bitter compounds in the leaves.
For optimal cultivation in your hydroponic system, ensure that your chicory receives about 10 to 12 hours of light per day. If growing indoors, you can control this with good LED lighting. LEDs offer the ability to regulate light intensity and promote ideal growth. Make sure to choose an LED lamp with a balanced light spectrum, as chicory benefits from a higher proportion of blue light waves that promote leaf growth.
It’s also important that chicory has a phase without light. So if you’re working with artificial lighting, ensure that the plants also have a daily rest phase in the dark. With too much light, chicory can start to turn its leaves yellow, which is a sign of stress. In such cases, it’s advisable to reduce the light intensity.
The Ideal pH and EC Values for Chicory
Chicory has specific requirements for the pH and EC values of the nutrient solution in hydroponics that should be observed. The pH value plays a crucial role in how well the plant can absorb nutrients. For chicory, the ideal pH value is between 5.5 and 6.0. In this slightly acidic range, the plant can optimally absorb the necessary minerals.
Too low or too high pH values can lead to nutrient blockages, hindering growth and making the plant more susceptible to diseases. You should regularly check the pH value with a testing device and adjust it if necessary with pH-up or pH-down solutions.
Equally important is the EC value (electrical conductivity), which measures the concentration of nutrients in the solution. Chicory prefers an EC value of about 1.8 to 2.2 mS/cm. A too high EC value can burn the roots and negatively affect growth. If the EC value is too low, the plant doesn’t receive enough nutrients and grows more slowly. Keep your nutrient solution always in the right range and check it regularly to ensure healthy, vigorous plants.
The Right Nutrient Supply for Chicory
Chicory is one of the plants that require a balanced but not excessive nutrient supply. A good nutrient ratio is crucial to achieving the best results. Chicory has a relatively high demand for nitrogen (N), as it is essential for leaf growth. Ensure that your nutrient solution contains enough nitrogen to promote the growth of strong and healthy leaves.
In addition, calcium (Ca) is an important nutrient for chicory, as it strengthens the plant’s cell walls and ensures crunchy, firm leaves. A lack of calcium can lead to growth disorders and soft, deformed leaves. Potassium (K) also plays a vital role, as it regulates the plant’s water balance, supporting the balance between nutrient uptake and water evaporation.
It is advisable to use a nutrient solution specifically designed for leafy greens and salads, as these usually contain all the necessary nutrients in the right proportion. By regularly checking and adjusting the nutrient solution, you can ensure that your chicory is optimally supplied with everything it needs for healthy growth.
When and How to Harvest Chicory Properly
The exciting moment of chicory cultivation is the harvest. Chicory is usually ready for harvest after 8 to 10 weeks, depending on the variety and growing conditions. You can tell it’s ready for harvest when the heads are dense and firm, and the leaves have a rich color.
To harvest chicory properly, you don’t need any special tools. A sharp knife is enough to cut the head cleanly just above the root base. Be careful to damage the plant as little as possible, as with some luck, you may achieve a second or even third growth if you leave the root in the system. Especially with Witloof chicory, you can expect a second harvest by keeping it in darkness after the first harvest – this keeps the chicory nicely pale and mild in flavor.
After harvesting, you should store the chicory as cool and dark as possible to preserve its freshness. As it is sensitive to light and heat, the leaves can quickly wilt or become more bitter otherwise.
How to Protect Your Chicory from Diseases and Pests
Chicory is naturally quite robust, but it can still be affected by diseases and pests under certain conditions. The most common problems include root rot, powdery mildew, and aphids, which can occur mainly in overly humid or poorly ventilated environments.
- Root rot often occurs when the hydroponic system provides too little oxygen to the roots or the nutrient solution stands for too long. To avoid this, ensure good oxygen supply in your system, for example, by using air pumps.
- Powdery mildew is a fungal disease characterized by white, powdery spots on the leaves. This disease can occur in high humidity. Therefore, ensure that the air in your growing area circulates well. If an infestation occurs, you can use natural fungicides like neem oil.
- Aphids love the tender chicory leaves. They suck the sap from the leaves, causing deformations and discolorations. You can remove them mechanically or combat them with biological pest control agents like beneficial insects (ladybugs) or soap solutions.
Prevention is the best protection against diseases and pests. Keep your system clean, regularly check the plants, and ensure balanced ventilation and humidity. This way, your chicory remains healthy and grows without problems.
Optimal Chicory Care – Special Tips
A unique aspect of chicory cultivation is the so-called “forcing culture.” This process is mainly applied to Witloof chicory to produce the characteristically white, mild-tasting heads. In forcing culture, chicory is placed in darkness after the first growth phase. This develops its typical white leaves, which are less bitter and particularly crunchy.
To apply this method, cut the chicory after the first growth phase and leave the roots in the soil. Then place the plants in a dark and cool location for about 3 to 4 weeks, ideally at temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. During this phase, the chicory continues to grow but forms no green leaves, only the characteristic white heads. The flavor is milder and less bitter.
Another important care tip is to maintain a constant temperature and humidity. Chicory prefers it cool and can start to bolt (form flowers) in too warm conditions, reducing yield and making the leaves more bitter. With these small tricks, you can ensure that your chicory remains healthy and develops an optimal flavor.
Chicory in Hydroponics – A Success Story for Every Gardener
Chicory is truly an exceptional plant that is perfect for hydroponics. While it does have specific requirements for temperature, light, and care, it rewards you with a unique flavor and a great harvest. Especially the possibility of producing white, mild chicory heads through forcing culture makes cultivation exciting and versatile.
Whether you use chicory as a crunchy ingredient for salads or a steamed side dish, homegrown chicory tastes simply incomparable. Especially because you can control exactly the conditions under which it grows through hydroponics. Try it out, experiment with different varieties, and enjoy the success of your own chicory cultivation. It is a rewarding experience for every gardener, whether beginner or expert.
