Endive

What you'll need:

Endive seeds (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A pot (at least 8-10 inches deep) or a small patch in your garden

Regular potting soil or garden soil (endive isn’t too picky, but loose soil helps roots grow better)

Some basic fertilizer (a general vegetable fertilizer will do)

When to start:

Endive is a cool-weather plant, so it's perfect for spring and fall. If you're planting in spring, start as soon as the ground thaws and temperatures are consistently above freezing. For fall, aim to plant about 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost.

Finding a good spot:

Endive prefers cooler temperatures and partial shade, especially if you live in a warmer area. If you’re growing in pots, place them where they’ll get morning sun but some shade in the afternoon. In the garden, a spot that gets 3-4 hours of sunlight daily should work well.

Tip: If it’s your first time growing endive, try planting in early fall when the weather starts cooling down—it’s often easier than spring planting.

If you have seeds:

1. Fill your pot or garden bed with soil, leaving about an inch from the top.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the soil—don’t bury them too deep; just lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil (about ¼ inch).
3. Water gently, making sure the soil is moist but not soggy.
4. Keep the soil consistently moist while waiting for the seeds to sprout, which usually takes 7-10 days.
5. Once the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them out so each plant has about 6-8 inches of space to grow.

If you have seedlings:

1. Dig a small hole in the soil, about the size of the root ball.
2. Place the seedling in the hole and cover the roots with soil, pressing gently around the base.
3. Water immediately after planting.

Planting tips:

• Space your plants about 6-8 inches apart. They don’t like being crowded!
• If you’re planting in rows, leave about 12 inches between rows to make it easier to care for them.
• After planting, sprinkle a bit of fertilizer around the base of the plants to give them a good start.

Watering:

• Endive likes consistent moisture, so water regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—think “damp sponge.”
• Water in the morning so any wet leaves have time to dry during the day.

Feeding time:

• Use a light application of vegetable fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Just follow the instructions on the package, but don’t overdo it—endive doesn’t need heavy feeding.
• Too much fertilizer can make the leaves taste bitter, so less is more here!

Sunlight and temperature:

• Endive grows best in cooler weather. If temperatures rise above 75°F (24°C), the leaves may become tough or bitter.
• If it gets too hot, you can provide some shade using a cloth or by planting endive near taller plants that offer partial shade.

Minor problem solving:

• Yellowing leaves? This could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t staying soggy.
• Bitter leaves? Heat stress or inconsistent watering can cause bitterness. Try shading the plants and keeping the soil evenly moist.
• Pests? Slugs and snails love endive! You can pick them off by hand or use natural deterrents like crushed eggshells around the base of the plants.

When to pick your endive:

• Endive is ready to harvest about 80-90 days after sowing the seeds.
• You’ll know it’s ready when the leaves form a tight, compact rosette (like a little leafy bouquet).
• The outer leaves should be crisp and green (or slightly curly, depending on the variety).

How to pick:

• Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the entire head of endive at the base, just above the soil line.
• Be careful not to damage neighboring plants if you’re growing multiple heads close together.
• You can also harvest individual outer leaves if you want to use them gradually instead of cutting the whole plant.

After harvesting:

• Wash the leaves thoroughly, as dirt can hide in the curly parts.
• Store unwashed endive in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to a week.
• If you want to extend your harvest, you can sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks for a continuous supply.

Tip: Endive tastes best when used fresh, but you can also blanch the leaves (tie them together or cover the plant with a pot for a few days before harvesting) to reduce bitterness.

Q: Why are my endive leaves turning brown at the edges?

A: This could be due to either too much sun or inconsistent watering. Try shading the plants during the hottest part of the day and make sure you’re watering regularly.

Q: Can I grow endive indoors?

A: Yes, but it needs plenty of light. Place it near a sunny window or under grow lights. Indoor plants might grow slower, but they’ll still produce tasty leaves.

Q: My endive is flowering—what does that mean?

A: Flowering means the plant is bolting, which happens when it gets too hot or stressed. Bolting makes the leaves taste bitter. To prevent this, plant endive in cooler weather and keep it well-watered.

Q: How do I stop pests from eating my endive?

A: Slugs and snails are common culprits. You can deter them by placing crushed eggshells or copper tape around the plants. Beer traps also work well for slugs!

Q: Is endive the same as escarole?

A: They’re very similar! Both are types of Cichorium endivia, but escarole has broader, less curly leaves compared to the frilly leaves of endive. They can often be used interchangeably in recipes.