For a long time, the stalks of vegetable fruits were just green waste and went into the organic waste bin or were fed to animals. Recently, the idea of using it to grow new vegetables has been floating around. But whether “regrowing” on the windowsill can also be achieved with chicory?
Can chicory be grown from a stalk?
Growing edible chicory requires no soil, water or light. The development of the bud takes place exclusively in the dark cellar; the energy comes from the thick root. At most, a few green bitter leaves can grow from the stem.
How does regrowing work?
The lower end of the vegetable is cut off, depending on the variety, about 3-5 cm high. The dried end goes into a glass filled with water, but should not be completely submerged. The water must be changed daily. After a few days, new fine roots sprout from the stalk or root piece and new leaves also begin to sprout. If you like and have the opportunity, you can plant the rooted remains in soil. It is harvested as soon as enough has grown back and the harvest is worthwhile.
Where can I do the regrowing?
Regrowing works best on a warm, bright windowsill. Depending on the season, the planted vegetable residues can also be left outside in the pot or continue to grow in the vegetable patch.
Which vegetables are particularly suitable for regrowth?
Practical experience has shown that the following vegetables produce a useful second leaf harvest:
- Spring onions
- cabbage
- Carrots
- Leek
- Radish
- Beetroot
- Salad
- Celery stalks
- Root parsley
How often can I replant a stem?
A stem can usually only be used once, rarely multiple times. Unfortunately, a vegetable stalk is not a perpetual motion machine that can provide us with fresh vegetables forever, as its strength simply runs out at some point. It can also happen that it doesn't sprout the first time, but starts to rot.
Can I let the stink grow again in the dark?
The root of a two-year-old plant, from which the yellow bud sprouts in the cellar, is very long and fleshy. She basically soaked herself up with energy for two years. The purchased chicory consists almost entirely of leaves; there is rarely a significantly large stalk present. If you don't primarily want to be full, but rather enjoy experimenting, you can give it a try.
Tip
Chicory is easy to grow yourself
Growing chicory yourself (correctly) does not produce results as quickly as regrowing other vegetables on the windowsill. But it is the only way to grow chicory yourself and enjoy it fresh all winter long.
