Seeds & More

Chicory types

Within the chicorium family, we see a rich palette of leaf shapes and colours. For instance, alongside the common type of chicory with its shiny closed white heads, there are types with red leaves. The head shape of this red chicory varies from round to slender and pointy. Red chicory is particularly suitable for salads and as a garnish and has a very luxurious appearance. At this moment there is just one red chicory variety available for cultivation on forcing tables. You can find this variety, called Céralie, under “Chicory Varieties – Early Season – Ceralie”. The latest development in chicory breeding is a type with a white/yellow toothed leaf that does not close like the traditional head but rather stays open, creating an extended head with attractive toothed leaves. This type has been given the name Barbucine and is marketed with a carefully chosen marketing concept. Cultivation, processing, and marketing are still in development. The cultivation of these specialities is similar to the cultivation and forcing of chicory witloof (Belgian endive/Brussels endive). Please contact us when you are interested in one of these specialty varieties.