Wild Endive. Cichorium intybus.

A hardy, perennial plant, introduced into this country from Europe, and often abounding as a troublesome weed in pastures, lawns, and mowing-lands. The stem is erect, stout, and branching, and, in its native state, usually about three feet in height,--under cultivation, however, it sometimes attains a height of five or six feet; the radical leaves are deep-green, lobed, and, when grown in good soil, measure ten or twelve inches in length, and four inches in width; the flowers are large, axillary, nearly stemless, of a fine blue color, and generally produced in pairs; the seeds somewhat resemble those of Endive, though ordinarily smaller, more glossy, and of a deeper-brown color,--they will keep ten years. The plants continue in blossom from July to September; and the seeds ripen from August to October, or until the plants are destroyed by frost.

Soil, Sowing, and Cultivation.--As the roots of Chiccory are long and tapering, it should be cultivated in rich, mellow soil, thoroughly stirred, either by the plough or spade, to the depth of ten or twelve inches. The seed should be sown in April or May, in drills fifteen inches apart, and three-fourths of an inch deep. When the young plants are two or three inches high, thin them to eight inches apart in the rows; and, during the summer, cultivate frequently, to keep the soil light, and the growing crop free from weeds.

Blanching.--Before using as a salad, the plants are blanched, either by

Page 1 / 5 Next Page ->

<- Prev Chapter Next Chapter ->