Growing Endive

Cichorium endivia : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
      T T              
      P P P            

(Best months for growing Endive in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 59°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 12 inches apart
  • Harvest in 10-11 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): beans, brassicas, carrots, cucumbers, chervil, sage.
  • Avoid growing close to: Alliums (garlic and onions)
  • French endive ready for harvest

This is a green leafy plant which looks a bit like a crinkly lettuce. Slightly bitter taste which can enhance a salad bowl but if this is not wanted the bitterness can be removed by blanching. Blanch by tying the leaves together when a rosette begins to form or cover with a large pot for about 3 weeks. Relative of chicory.

Best grown in cooler months as hot weather might make it bolt to flower. Keep well watered to reduce bitterness. Water at base as water trapped inside leaves will cause rot.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Endive

Very tasty topped with grated swiss cheese and grilled for a couple of minutes to crisp up the cheese and wilt the leaves.

Can use in salads additional to lettuce, but needs a flavoursome dressing if you aren't overly fond of bitterness.

Your comments and tips

19 Jun 23, Patty (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I am in zone 9B, Southern California. Is it too late to plant?
21 Jun 23, (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Best to wait until September to plant

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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