How to prune belgian endive (witloof)

Late autumn after first hard frost, immediately before lifting roots for forcing. Using sharp secateurs or a knife, cut all the green foliage back to 2–3 cm above the root crown. Lift roots carefully, pack them upright in moist sand or compost in a dark container, and keep at 10–18 °C to produce chicons over 3–4 weeks.

Once per season at the end of the outdoor growing period. Belgian Endive 'Witloof' is grown in two stages: outdoor leafy growth followed by forced blanched chicons. After the first hard frost, cut the leafy tops to about 2–3 cm above the crown, then lift roots for forcing indoors in darkness. This cutback is essential to producing the pale, tender chicons.

Using sharp secateurs or a knife, cut all the green foliage back to 2–3 cm above the root crown. Lift roots carefully, pack them upright in moist sand or compost in a dark container, and keep at 10–18 °C to produce chicons over 3–4 weeks.