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Root vegetables · Arctium lappa

Chiko

Chiko is a heirloom root vegetable. Germination takes 10-14 days and fruit ripens from about day 120. Skin runs to light brown. Water need is regular; consistent moisture during establishment and root enlargement; moderate drought tolerance once established. Suits zones 3-10.

Root vegetables
120days to harvest
10-14 daysdays to germinate
Z3–10USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow outdoors ¼ inch deep, 3–4 weeks before first fall frost or in early spring; thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart at 2 inches tall

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
Regular; consistent moisture during establishment and root enlargement; moderate drought tolerance once established
Soil
Loose, well-drained soil, free of rocks and compacted clay; amended with compost
Spacing
4-6 inches
Height
2-10 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Light brown
Size
1"
Shape
Long, slender, uniform roots
Flavour
Mild, slightly sweet flavor with tender texture; sweeter after frost exposure; more delicate than carrots, less earthy than parsnips

In the kitchen

Hearty soups, bean stews, roasted vegetable medleys, stir-fries, braised root vegetable dishes

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Generally pest-resistant; occasional carrot rust fly damage in susceptible regions
Diseases
Generally disease-resistant; rare cases of root rot in waterlogged soils

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——June – JulyOctober – September
2——May – JulySeptember
3——May – JuneSeptember – October
4——April – JuneAugust – October
5——April – MayAugust – November
6——April – MayAugust – November
7——March – MayJuly – November
8——March – AprilJuly – December
9——February – MarchJune – December
10——January – MarchMay – December
11——January – FebruaryApril – December
12——January – FebruaryApril – December
13——January – FebruaryApril – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

CarrotsBreak up soil with their taproots, improving drainage and soil structure
OnionsRepel root maggots and other soil pests with their strong scent
GarlicNatural fungicide properties help prevent soil-borne diseases
LettuceShallow roots don't compete, provides living mulch to retain soil moisture
RadishesBreak up compacted soil and deter root-boring insects
ChivesRepel aphids and improve soil with their sulfur compounds
SpinachCool-season companion that maximizes garden space without root competition
MarigoldsRelease compounds that suppress harmful nematodes in soil

Avoid

FennelAllelopathic compounds inhibit root development and overall growth
Black Walnut TreesProduce juglone toxin that severely stunts root vegetable growth
SunflowersAllelopathic effects and heavy nutrient competition harm root development

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
41
Protein (g)
0.93
Fat (g)
0.24
Carbohydrate (g)
9.58
Fibre (g)
2.8
Sugars (g)
4.74
Vitamin A (µg)
835
Vitamin C (mg)
5.9
Vitamin E (mg)
0.66
Vitamin K (µg)
13.2
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.138
Folate (µg)
19
Calcium (mg)
33
Iron (mg)
0.3
Magnesium (mg)
12
Phosphorus (mg)
35
Potassium (mg)
320
Zinc (mg)
0.24
Selenium (µg)
0.1
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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the root vegetables growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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Similar varieties

Other root vegetables with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Chiko suits these too.

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