Troubleshooting
Chicory 'Puntarelle' problems — and how to fix them
Chicory 'Puntarelle' (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum 'Puntarelle') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Premature bolting
Heat, drought or early sowing make plants flower before the shoot cluster forms well. Sow from early-to-mid summer for autumn harvest and keep moisture even.
Very bitter shoots
Bitterness is natural but worsened by stress and warm growth. Slice shoots thinly and soak in iced water to curl them and leach some bitterness, the traditional Roman preparation.
Crown and shoot rot
Wet, cold standing conditions rot the central shoots. Grow on free-draining soil, space plants well, and harvest the shoot cluster before prolonged winter wet.
Slug damage
Slugs hide in the open rosette and graze tender shoots and leaves. Use barriers or traps and clear debris, especially through damp autumn and winter.
Prevent chicory 'puntarelle' problems before they start
Most chicory 'puntarelle' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common chicory problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Chicory 'Puntarelle' watering schedule
- Chicory 'Puntarelle' light requirements
- Best soil mix for chicory 'puntarelle'
- Chicory 'Puntarelle' temperature & humidity
- Full chicory 'puntarelle' care guide
Looking for chicory 'puntarelle' in general rather than its problems? Read the full chicory 'puntarelle' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Chicory 'Puntarelle' problems — FAQ
Why is my chicory 'puntarelle' premature bolting?
Heat, drought or early sowing make plants flower before the shoot cluster forms well. Sow from early-to-mid summer for autumn harvest and keep moisture even.
Why is my chicory 'puntarelle' very bitter shoots?
Bitterness is natural but worsened by stress and warm growth. Slice shoots thinly and soak in iced water to curl them and leach some bitterness, the traditional Roman preparation.
Why is my chicory 'puntarelle' crown and shoot rot?
Wet, cold standing conditions rot the central shoots. Grow on free-draining soil, space plants well, and harvest the shoot cluster before prolonged winter wet.
Why is my chicory 'puntarelle' slug damage?
Slugs hide in the open rosette and graze tender shoots and leaves. Use barriers or traps and clear debris, especially through damp autumn and winter.