How to grow chicory indoors with hydroponics all year round
What's the story
Growing chicory indoors with hydroponics is a sustainable and space-efficient way to enjoy fresh greens year-round. This method eliminates the need for soil, allowing you to cultivate chicory in a controlled environment. By using nutrient-rich water solutions, you can achieve optimal growth conditions indoors. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a beginner, hydroponic chicory cultivation offers numerous benefits and can be easily integrated into your home setup.
System selection
Choosing the right hydroponic system
Selecting the right hydroponic system is key to growing chicory indoors. Deep water culture, nutrient film technique, and aeroponics are popular choices. Deep water culture involves suspending plant roots in an oxygenated nutrient solution, while the nutrient film technique circulates a thin layer of nutrients over plant roots. Aeroponics sprays nutrient mist directly onto roots. Each system has its pros and cons, so choose one that fits your space and resources.
Lighting setup
Optimal lighting conditions
Proper lighting is essential for indoor hydroponic chicory growth. LED grow lights are recommended as they provide the right spectrum for photosynthesis without emitting too much heat. Place lights about 12 inches above the plants and keep them on for 12 to 16 hours a day to mimic natural sunlight conditions. Adjust light intensity based on plant growth stages to ensure optimal results.
Nutrient balance
Nutrient solution management
Managing nutrient solutions is critical in hydroponics. Chicory needs balanced levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and trace elements like iron and manganese. Use commercially available hydroponic nutrient mixes designed specifically for leafy greens. Regularly monitor pH levels (ideally between 5.5 and 6.5) and electrical conductivity (EC) levels (around 1.2 to 2.0 mS/cm) to ensure plants receive adequate nutrition.
Environmental control
Monitoring environmental factors
Controlling environmental factors such as temperature and humidity is key to successful indoor hydroponic chicory cultivation. Maintain temperatures between 18 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Keep humidity levels around 50% to 70% to prevent mold growth while ensuring healthy plant respiration.