[willowman]

The elderly gent next door gave me some young plants which he said were chicory.
Now they are growing they don't look like chicory as I know it.  the leaves are dark green with a slight dark red tinge. They actually look a bit like spinach. They do however taste very bitter.
I've looked in my books and googled chicory but can't find anything which looks like my plants. So I thought I would ask the real experts.
What strain of chicory is it?
Could they be looking like this because they have not been forced?
Do you think in time they will form a heart like the commercial chicory?
Signed, Puzzled from Peterborough!

[willowman]

S*ds Law.
Just went back on the interweb and discovered Grumola Verde, an Italian variety.
Think thats it.
See, I knew you guys and girls would help me, it was your inspiration that led me to the right answer.

[mumofstig]

Was going to say radicchio (Italian chicory) but you've beaten me to it yourself 

Some will heart up and some don't....have a look at the seeds of Italy website for loads of varieties 

[willowman]

Thanks Mum, will try that site.