vegetable · leafy green

Endive

The bitter one, and better for it. Endive makes a broad frilly head over six to eight weeks, with a sharpness that holds its own against a strong dressing.

Endive seedling
Seedling
Mature Endive
Ready to pick
Thrives
12–20°C
Water
High
Difficulty
Beginner
Ready in
45–60  days
Spacing
25cm apart
Containers
Yes

How to plant it

  • Plant 25cm apart. It spreads to about 45cm across, so give it more room than it looks like it needs.
  • Keep the soil damp. Endive that dries out turns harsh rather than pleasantly bitter.
  • Cut the whole head at six to eight weeks, or start taking outside leaves from about four.
  • For a milder head, tie the outer leaves up over the centre a fortnight before you cut. The blanched heart goes pale and sweet.
  • It handles cold better than lettuce, so it is a good one for carrying a salad patch into autumn.