What vegetable is bitter chicory? A detailed explanation of its high-yield cultivation methods

Bitter chicory, also known as dog-tooth lettuce and bitter sow-thistle, is a common wild vegetable found on hillsides, in fields and along the edges of valley woodlands. It is deeply loved by people for its varied ways of being eaten and its effect of clearing heat and reducing internal heat, and it is even specially cultivated in many places. So what is bitter chicory? What are its high-yield cultivation methods?

I. What is bitter chicory?

1. Bitter chicory is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant of the order Asterales, the family Asteraceae and the genus Cichorium. Its stem is erect, about 40-150cm tall, with many umbel-like flower heads or branches that are smooth and hairless on the surface. Its root is conical and has many fibrous rootlets. Its leaves are lanceolate, with an elliptical, triangular or round base, green on the upper surface and grayish-green on the underside. Its flowers are pale blue, and its seeds are short-columnar and grayish-white.

2. Bitter chicory, also known as dog-tooth lettuce, has tender leaves that are edible and can be stir-fried, served cold with dressing, or cooked in soup. It is a natural, healthy green food. Although it tastes somewhat bitter, just like potherb mustard, its effects and benefits are very strong. Regular consumption can clear heat and detoxify, relieve coughs, and strengthen the stomach, and it can also inhibit cell canceration. It has now become an extremely popular food ingredient, especially in summer when it can cool the body and relieve heat.

3. Bitter chicory is a sun-loving plant with low requirements for its growing environment. It generally grows in valleys, under forests and in fields at altitudes of 170-3200 meters. It is currently planted in most areas of China, and its seeds can retain their germination capacity for ten years. It generally flowers and fruits from May to December.

II. What are the high-yield cultivation methods for bitter chicory?

1. Land selection and preparation: What kind of land is suitable for planting?

Bitter chicory is suitable for growing in environments with loose, fertile soil, good water and fertilizer retention, and rich organic matter. Therefore, when selecting land, try to choose sandy loam or clay soil rich in organic matter, such as hillside land or garden plots near a water source. After selecting the land, plow the soil deeply and apply about 1500 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per mu, then level it and dig a trench 1 meter wide and 80 cm deep at intervals of 12cm for later planting.

2. Seed selection and sowing: How to sow?

(1) Seed selection: It is best to select seeds with a glossy appearance, no surface damage, no disease, and strong disease resistance.

(2) Sowing time: Spring or autumn.

(3) Sowing method: Evenly broadcast the seeds into the already dug trenches, then scatter a thin layer of soil, and finally water an appropriate amount. When sowing, try to sow in the middle of the trench so that some roots do not grow unstably later.

(4) Sowing density: About 2 kg of seeds per mu is enough. Specifically, it depends on where you plant; if planting on hillside land, perhaps a bit less.

3. Field management techniques: How to manage?

(1) Water requirements: After the seeds sprout, properly water a small amount to keep the soil moist. During the vigorous growth period, determine the amount and frequency of watering according to how dry or wet the soil is, and then reduce watering in the later growth stage.

(2) Fertilizer requirements: During the seedling growth period, apply an appropriate amount of decomposed manure according to the growth of the bitter chicory. Generally, for plots with normal fertility, about 1000 kg of decomposed manure per mu is sufficient.

(3) Thinning and replanting: When the seedlings have grown to a certain extent, promptly transplant the overly dense seedlings to places with no seedlings to ensure uniform growth, and at the same time promptly remove weak and diseased seedlings.

(4) Cultivation and loosening the soil: When the seedlings have grown to a certain extent, loosen the soil according to the soil conditions. At that time, remove weeds from the garden to prevent nutrients from being absorbed. When loosening the soil, be sure to do it gently to avoid damaging the root system.

(5) Pest and disease control: During the growth period of bitter chicory, pests and diseases such as downy mildew, viral disease, and aphids will occur, so preventive measures should be taken in advance. For those already affected by pests or diseases, pesticides such as Kelu wettable powder, Zhibingling emulsion, and dimethoate can be used for control.

The above is a detailed introduction to what bitter chicory is and its cultivation methods. I hope it is helpful to everyone.