How to Grow Endive Lettuce Plants
About Growing Endive Lettuce Greens
Endive lettuce are greens that are closely related to Chicory. Endive is loose leafed, with a slight bunching of blanched leaves in the center of the plant. There are two types: the frilly curled Endive with pointy leaves, and a smoother-leafed Escarole. Endive has a slightly bitter, buttery taste. It is very popular, and attractive in salads. Use this garden guide on “How to Grow Endive” to produce a bountiful harvest of greens.
Endive Plant Specifications
Days to Harvest: 55 to 100 days, depending upon variety and growing conditions.
Plant height: Twelve to eighteen inches tall.
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade.
Ideal Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0. Ideal Soil pH by vegetable.
Plant Hardiness Zones: 4 – 9
Plant Type: Annual
Deer Resistant? No.
Native To: Egypt and Indonesia.
Botanical Name: Cichorium endivia
Nutrition Facts
One cup of raw Endive has approximately:
- 9 calories25 g carbs
- 0 cholesterol
- 0.2 g fat
- 1.6 g fiber
- 0.6 g protein
- 11 mg sodium
Light Requirement
Like most vegetable garden plants, all varieties of Endive grow best in full sun. Grow them in a location where they receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight.
However, at the same time, it is a cool-weather crop. So, hot, direct sunlight can cause scald and often results in the plant bolting. Therefore, in hotter climates, provide partial shade from the hot, midday sun.
Planting Endive Lettuce Seeds
Endive seeds are very fine. When planting in rows, spread the seeds as thinly as possible. Cover the seeds with a very fine layer of loose soil or starting mixture. Water lightly, and keep the soil moist. Thin plants to 6″ apart, in rows 18″ apart.
Tip: Some people sprinkle the seeds on top of a fine soil, and just water them in.
Endive are good candidates for container gardens. Try growing Endive in a container on your patio or deck.
How to Grow Endive Lettuce
The first secret to successfully growing any lettuce greens is to grow them fast. Second, lettuce plants grow best in cool weather. Also, they need lots of water and a rich, well-drained soil.
Provide an even amount of moisture and fertilizer throughout the growing cycle. Liquid fertilizer works well.
Weed the patch regularly, as weeds will compete for moisture and nutrients.
Also see:
Soil Temperatures – Ideal germination temperature by vegetable.
How to Grow Endive Lettuce - Insects and Pests
Bunnies like all kinds of lettuce. Got bunnies!? Then, a rabbit fence is in your future.
A variety of insects can pose a real problem. Lettuce is delicate and can absorb many insecticides. If you want or need to use insecticides, look for brands that are less harmful to you and the environment. We like to avoid insecticides on leafy vegetables wherever possible. we suggest organic sprays, and a willingness to give up some of the harvest to insects, versus using pesticides. After all, one of the reasons most of us have gardens is to avoid pesticides.
Slugs are a real problem for all types of lettuces. There are a variety of control methods. More on Slugs and snails.
Plant Disease
Disease problems are few, except in wet or hot weather.
Also see: Plant Problems
Harvesting Endive Lettuce
Days to Maturity: Endive is ready to harvest in 90-100 days.
Begin to harvest leaves as soon as they are big enough for your salad.
Plant Hardiness
All lettuces thrives in cooler weather. It is also susceptible to frost. It does not like mid-summer heat, or dry conditions. Set your first crop outdoors after the last spring frost. Time your Fall crop to mature prior to the first fall frost date for your area.
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