How to grow Endives

How to grow Endives - Introduction

• • Endive is a member of the Daisy Family, and it would not be wise to grow it in soil that has grown a Daisy Family crop during the last three years.

How to grow Endives - Soil & Position

• • Good soil is needed, endive is not happy in sticky clay.

  • If clay is all you have available, then dig-in a large amount of manure or compost to try and break it down a little.

  • Pick a sunny spot for summer and autumn sown crops.

  • A semi-shady site is suitable for spring-sown endive.

  • Dig in autumn and incorporate manure or compost if the soil is short of humus.

  • About a week before planting apply a general-purpose fertilizer, such as Growmore or Blood Fish and Bone if an organic fertilizer is preferred.

How to grow Endives - Sowing Seed

• • For direct sowing, sow seed thinly 1cm (½ inch) deep in rows 30cm (12 inches) apart, and cover with fine soil firm down the surface after sowing.

  • Sow seeds in seed trays (flats) a month earlier than when sowing direct outdoors.

    • Transplant seedlings when the threat of frost has passed, and be aware that it should be done as soon as possible so that the plants mature before the weather gets hot.

  • Sow curly-leaved varieties in March through to August for late autumn and winter use.

  • Sow broad-leaved varieties in July through to September for late autumn and winter use.

How to grow Endives - Care & Cultivation

• • Thin the seedlings as soon as the first true leaves appear.

  • Continue thinning at intervals until the plants are 23cm (9 inches) apart for curly-leaved varieties, or 30cm (12 inches) apart for broad-leaved varieties.

  • Hoe regularly and feed occasionally with a liquid fertilizer, such as Miracle Gro.

  • It is essential to water thoroughly in dry weather – plants will run to seed if you fail to do so.

  • Begin the blanching operation about 12 weeks after sowing.

    • Choose a few plants, as required, and make sure the leaves are dry.

    • Loosely tie up the leaves with raffia and cover with a plastic flowering pot.

    • Block the drainage holes to exclude light.

    • The heads will be ready in 3 weeks (summer) or 5 weeks (winter).

How to grow Endives - Harvesting

• • The time from planting to harvest is 90 to 100 days from seed.

  • To harvest, cut the plant off at soil level.

  • Sever the head with a sharp knife when the leaves have turned creamy white.