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How to Grow Endive

Often seen in mixed salads or Mediterranean dishes, Endive (Cichorium endivia) packs a real flavour hit and good looks to boot! With its curly leaves and strong taste, it makes a real impact on your dishes and in your garden.

Full sun

Regular watering

Well drained

Suitable for all climatic zones

Harvest the entire plant after 10 weeks. Alternatively, harvest leaves as necessary

Spring to Autumn in most climates, but check the label for your area

How to grow endive in a garden

Fill starter pots or trays with Yates Seed Raising Mix. Sow seeds, cover, firm down and water well. Keep the soil moist so the seeds don't dry out. While the seedlings are growing, choose a sunny spot in the garden and prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. You can also sow direct into the garden bed once the soil has been enriched with organic matter. Once seedlings have emerged, feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food. Allow seedlings to grow to about 4 - 6 cm before transplanting. When transplanting them into your prepared garden bed, ensure seedlings are spaced at least 20 cm apart. Mulch with an organic mulch, such as sugar cane or pea straw and water in well. Feed weekly with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development and lush green leaves. Harvest the entire plant after 10 weeks or regularly harvest the leaves as they grow to add to your favourite salads.

How to grow endive in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 300 mm wide and position in a sunny spot and protect from strong winds.

Step 2

Fill starter trays with Yates Seed Raising Mix. Sow seeds, lightly cover and gently water. Keep the soil moist throughout germination.

Step 3

Once seedlings reach a height of 4 – 6 cm, fill chosen pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Choose healthy seedlings and transplant into pot and water in well.

Step 4

Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food to ensure strong root development and lush green leaves.

Step 5

Harvest the entire plant after 10 weeks or regularly harvest the leaves as they grow to add to your favourite salads.

Growing tips

Endive leaves provide a slightly bitter tang to salads.
If you are not fond of the bitterness, remove this by placing a thick layer of straw mulch or a large plastic pot over the leaves three weeks prior to harvest. This process is called blanching and will remove the bitter taste.
It is a popular addition to Mediterranean salads and dishes.