Green Curled Endive

Endive produces dark green curly leaves. Endive flavour is mild and slightly bitter and works well in salads.

Soil: Well-draining, water-retentive soil that is rich and loamy.

Sowing: Late winter/late Spring

Germination: 5-7 days

Days to Maturity: 85 – 100 Days

Position: Full Sun / Partial Shade

Spacing: 20-30cm apart

Sow Depth: 5mm

Height: 20-25 cm

Growing notes:

Weed planting area thoroughly. Loosen soil and work in some animal manure or rich compost.

Direct sow or seedling trays at 5mm deep and 20-30cm apart.

Seeds should germinate in around 5-7 days at a soil temperature of 15-18°

Endives grow year round. However, you can start seeds indoors in late winter and plant out 2-4 weeks before the last frost, or direct sown in the garden in late summer to fall. They enjoy cool weather, full sun or part shade, and moist well drained soil.

Endive has shallow roots, so you would be able to water frequently. Do not soak or overwater.

When light frost occurs, the taste of endives can be sweeter. Warmer temperatures increase bitterness.

Uses:

Salads, wraps, burgers, garnish or any dish needing some freshness. Endive is best used fresh.

Endive, (Cichorium endivia), edible annual leafy plant of the family Asteraceae. It is believed to have originated  in Egypt and Indonesia and then cultivated in Europe since the 16th century.

Green Curled Endive is also known as frisée.