Chicory - forced or unforced?

[Sweet Pea]

There were some chicory plants up for grabs on our allotment's swaps bench a month or so ago which I thought I'd have a go at.

Have just found out that there are forced and unforced varieties and I don't know which one I've got! Is there a way to tell from how they look?

At the moment mine look like very large dandelions - am really hoping someone isn't playing a joke and they are dandelions

[Lesley Jay]

There are different varieties and 'Puntarella' a 'Catalonga' is also known as Italian Dandelion. From what I have read you simply eat the leaves as they are. Presumably in a mixed leaf salad??

[Sweet Pea]

Thanks for the speedy response - will wait and see what they do!

[nick the grief]

Not sure as I normaly spray my dandelions with roundup But I would hazard a guess that if you cover them when thay are growing wit a pot or the like the blanching process will make them less bitter. Worth a try maybe.

Also if they are Chicory & you can keep them frost free in a shed or the like you can lift them , trim the roos to fit a 6" pot & plant 2 or 3 per pot keep them warm & dark & force them for you winter salad bowl. A hot bed in the greenhouse would be one way if you don't want to heat it.