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

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
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 ?
18 Nov 16, Vanessa Lucas (Australia - temperate climate)
I think you are thinking of Belgian Endive, which is grown by cutting of the first growth which forces the root to produce the pale tight endive you buy in the shops here
30 Nov 16, Ruth (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello Vanessa, I am looking to grow or buy Belgian endives in Brisbane. Do you know of any growers that supply Belgian Endives? Thanks very much.
04 Jan 17, vanessa (Australia - temperate climate)
Sorry Ruth, not sure (I am in Sydney) Good luck though!
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
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?
09 Jun 14, daniel muchiri from kenya (Australia - temperate climate)
is endive grown in kenya?
06 Aug 14, Mario (Canada - Zone 2b Sub-Arctic climate)
I have grown chicory, endive and radicchio very sucessfully in NW Ontario. My problem is I can not locate a source to purchase seeds for various kinds of them. Are you aware of a company which meets my request but can be purchased on line. I have gone on line but the companies only provide very limited varieties.
22 Jan 18, Steve Williams (Australia - tropical climate)
I used to live in Sydney and greww Endive very easily, now i live in Cairns and cannot for the life of me get any up and running ? Nor can i buy it from anywhere , even Bunnings , Any info please ? ? Thanks Steve.
Showing 1 - 10 of 17 comments

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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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