Family: Asteraceae
Binomial name: Cichorium endivia
Life Cycle: Annual
Endive can be grown year-round in most climates. Avoid planting in extremely hot or cold weather which can affect germination and growth. Use the table below to identify the best time of year to sow endive in your climate.
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cool | ||||||||||||
Temperate | ||||||||||||
Sub-Tropical | ||||||||||||
Tropical | ||||||||||||
Arid |
Endive plants are best grown in full sun. Choose a location that will receive at least 6 hours of full sun each day.
Endive plants need a well drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Prepare soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until planting.
Endive seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.
Endive seeds can be sown directly into the garden OR seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established.
Tip: Endive seeds can also be sown in the less formal ‘scatter seed’ method. Simply roughen the soil, scatter seeds evenly over the surface, then smooth the soil over lightly to cover the seeds.
Endive plants need regular watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface (test this by scratching away a little soil with your finger). Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of plants to avoid fungal diseases. Learn more about watering here.
Optional: To give plants room to grow, thin seedlings when they are large enough to handle. Pull out any weak or small seedlings so plants are spaced about 20-30cm apart.
If soil was well prepared no extra fertiliser should be necessary. In poor soil or to give your plants an extra boost, application of a high-nitrogen fertiliser or one formulated for leafy greens or herbs can be beneficial:
Endive should be ready to harvest in approximately 50-80 days.
Leaves are ready to harvest when they are large enough to eat, and can be harvested as needed. Harvest leaves by pinching off the outer leaves, leaving some on the plant for future growth. Alternatively, harvest whole heads by cutting them at ground level. Eat endive leaves as soon as possible after harvesting. Store leaves short term in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge.
Like all plants, endive is susceptible to some pests, diseases and other problems. Below is a list of the most common problems gardeners encounter when growing endive plants: