Description

Catalogna Chicory (Cichorium intybus), known in Italian as Cicoria Catalogna, is a traditional Mediterranean leafy vegetable prized for its long, narrow green leaves, prominent white ribs and pleasantly bitter flavour. This vigorous variety produces generous foliage and is particularly popular in Italian cuisine.

Perfect for boiling, sautéing with garlic and olive oil, soups, pasta dishes and traditional Mediterranean recipes, Catalogna Chicory is a nutritious and versatile vegetable. It grows particularly well during Malta’s cooler months and can provide repeated harvests of fresh leaves.

🌱 Growing Instructions

☀️ Sunlight: Prefers full sun, with at least 5–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Benefits from partial afternoon shade during warmer weather.

💧 Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering encourages tender leaves and helps prevent excessive bitterness.

🌱 Soil: Plant in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter.

🌡️ Temperature: Grows best between 10°C–22°C. Excessive heat can encourage premature flowering and increase leaf bitterness.

📏 Spacing: Allow approximately 25–30 cm between plants for healthy leaf development and good air circulation.

🌾 Fertilizer: Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during active growth, following product instructions.

✂️ Harvesting: Harvest outer leaves as needed or cut the entire plant when mature, typically 50–80 days after transplanting, depending on the variety. Leave the growing crown intact if harvesting for regrowth.

🌿 Local Growing Tips (Malta)

Best planting season: September to March, when cooler temperatures encourage healthy leaf production.

Position: Sunny vegetable gardens, raised beds or large containers with fertile soil and good drainage.

Companion plants: Lettuce, carrots, onions and radishes.

Common issue: Hot weather and irregular watering can result in tough, excessively bitter leaves or premature flowering. Maintain consistent moisture and provide afternoon shade during warmer periods.

📦 Product Information

Variety: Cicoria Catalogna (Catalogna Chicory)

Botanical Name: Cichorium intybus

Plant Type: Leafy Vegetable Seedling

Quantity: 12 Seedlings per Tray

Maturity: Approximately 50–80 days after transplanting, depending on variety

Harvest Season: Autumn to Spring

Special Characteristics: Long green leaves with prominent white ribs, traditional slightly bitter flavour and the ability to produce additional foliage after cutting.

Important Information

Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.

The price is per one tray of 12 seedlings.