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Growing Endive

(Cichorium endivia)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
		S	P	P	P

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

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.

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: beans, brassicas, carrots, cucumbers, chervil, sage.
Avoid growing with: 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

21 May 13, Christine Lucas (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): We supply cricket and worms etc to the critter world and pet shops, We get a lot of requests for endives for iguanas. Can I buy wholesale somewhere or do you suggest I grow my own? If so, were can I get seeds?
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26 Apr 13, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): I am a cancer patient and my doctor recommended that I include ENDIVE in my diet. do you sell endive or know someone who growns and sell it? Your consideration on the matter will be very much appreciated. Kind regards Carlos V. Mbanze
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29 Nov 12, Ian (Australia - temperate climate): I tried to grow endives only twice here it bunches up like lettuce not like I buy in the shop, I only grow it for the birds they love it. But mine they love ok but does grow big like what I can buy its about 18" high and the turn it in side out prity big bunches but mine as I said like small lettuce what am I doing wrong ?
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23 May 12, willem (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): Where can we buy endive seeds in south africa We need contact detail off a supplier
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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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