General |
Curly leaved endive varieties have curled and toothed leaves that form rosettes. The leaves can hold water, and are thus prone to leaf diseases, especially with fall-harvested plantings.
Flat-leaved endive varieties, called escarole, have leaves that are broader, flatter, and only slightly crinkled, and so are not as prone to diseases. They also form loose heads, are hardier, and are more tender and milder tasting than curly endive varieties.
Radicchio is a leaf chicory, grown as a leaf vegetable. It has a bitter and spicy taste, which mellows when it is grilled or roasted. It can be used to add color and zest to salads.
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Latin |
Endive: Cichorium endiva.
Compositae family.
Radicchio: Cichorium intybus
Asteraceae family.
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Difficulty |
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Easy.
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Season & Zone |
Season: Cool season.
Exposure: Full-sun. Partial-shade is beneficial in hot weather.
Zone: Unknown.
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Planting Seeds |
These cool season plants can withstand moderate frosts. Sow in April, and again in mid-July, to take advantage of the Fall growing season. The germination temperature is 35º F to 85º F, although 75º F is optimal. It takes 5 to 7 days for sprouting to begin. Usual seed life: 3 years.
Sow seeds shallowly, 1-2cm (2-4") in rows 45cm (") apart. Thin to 25-30cm (10-12") for full heads, less for baby leaves.
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Preparing Soil |
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Ensure soil is high in organic matter (add compost) and well-mulched. Rapid, continuous growth is essential for good yields and high quality. Radicchio requires good supply of phosphorus and potassium, but may bolt if there is too much nitrogen available. Fall plantings can be protected from rain by putting a cloche over them. Endive heads can be blanched to reduce bitterness by placing cardboard or a plastic disk on top of them.
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Planting |
For fall harvests, direct seed in your garden about 2 to 3 months before expected fall frost.
Direct seed ¼-inch deep in rows 45cm (18") apart 2 to 4 weeks before average last frost. Make succession plantings for continuous harvest. Thin to 20-30cm (8-12").
For extra-early crops, start seed inside 6 to 8 weeks before last frost. Transplant into garden about 2 weeks before last frost.
To prevent plants from bolting, keep them well-watered and shaded when temperatures are above 75º F. Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
For fall harvests, direct seed in garden about 2 to 3 months before expected fall frost.
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Diseases & Pests |
Aphids - Water can be used to remove aphids from plants. Wash the plant off with water occasionally as needed early in the day.
Moulds and rot from heavy rains can be prevented by growing under cover. Tip burn is a calcium deficiency within the plant that can be caused by an imbalance with over nutrients. Make sure you have limed the soil, do not over-fertilize and harvest just before full maturity to avoid it.
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Harvest |
Light frost enhances flavor. Blanch this plant for a milder flavor. A week or so before harvest, pull outer leaves over the head of the plant and tie. Make sure the leaves are dry to avoid rotting. Other blanching alternatives include placing a flowerpot over the plant, or covering with a cardboard disk or plastic container. Close plant spacing (8") encourages self-blanching.
Individual leaves can be picked for salads, or the whole plant can be used as a steamed vegetable.
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Companion Plants |
Endive: All non-heading salad greens. Avoid planting with Radicchio.
Radicchio: Lettuce. Avoid planting with endive or escarole.
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