Cool-season greens with frilly or broad leaves for salad bowls
This collection of Endive Seeds showcases the diversity of Cichorium endivia, a leafy salad green from the chicory family prized for refreshing crunch and a pleasantly bitter-sweet flavor. It spans finely cut Frisée and Curly endive for feathery textures, alongside broad, tender Escarole and Broadleaf endive ideal for heartier salads and light cooking. Options range from baby leaf selections for a quick baby leaf salad mix to semi-heading varieties that form blanched, pale hearts. As a cool season crop, Endive Seeds support steady harvests across the shoulder seasons, fitting neatly into kitchen garden greens and mixed salad plantings, with open-pollinated and heirloom endive seeds offered alongside organic endive seed choices.
Growing needs are straightforward: place plants in full sun to partial shade and provide fertile, moisture-retentive soil enriched with organic matter. For timing, sow after last frost for spring and early summer harvests, then sow again in late summer for autumn harvest greens; in mild climates, autumn sowing may overwinter. Many selections suit cut-and-come-again harvest, and blanching endive heads can produce milder hearts. With consistent moisture and balanced nutrition, Endive Seeds respond with crisp leaves and reliable texture from early growth to maturity.
Diverse types within the range help tailor taste and texture: curly endive seeds yield frisée salad greens with lacy leaves, while escarole seeds deliver broader, softer blades for braises, soups, and mixed salads. Compact habits and shallow root systems also make several strains suitable for containers, allowing productive salads from patio pots and small spaces. Whether chosen for baby leaves or full-sized heads, Endive Seeds contribute versatile, edible greens to seasonal menus, from raw bowls to gentle sautés. Look for semi-heading forms for dense hearts, open-pollinated endive for seed-saving potential, and selections known for balanced, bitter-sweet flavor that complements herbs, citrus, and beans.
Cichorium endivia (escarole & frisée)
Explore nearby categories that sit alongside this leafy crop. Start with the broader vegetable range, then compare related greens like chicory, lettuce, and arugula to fine‑tune textures and flavors. These groups cover cool‑season choices suited to sowing after the last frost, with some options adaptable to mild climates later in the year. This navigator highlights direct‑sow staples and versatile leaves for beds or containers.
Cichorium endivia (escarole & frisée)
Cultivate Cichorium endivia—escarole and frisée—as a cool-season leafy salad green from the chicory family. Provide full sun, with partial shade in heat, and plant in fertile, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil enriched with organic matter. Sow after the last frost for spring and early summer harvests, and sow again in late summer for autumn harvest greens; in mild climates, autumn sowings may overwinter. Keep soil evenly moist to moderate the bitter-sweet flavor and reduce bolting. For baby leaf salad mix, broadcast more densely; for semi-heading varieties, allow room to mature. Protect from heat spikes with light shade and mulch to conserve moisture.
- Thin seedlings and space plants 25–30 cm / 10–12 in apart to support airflow and semi-heading forms.
- Water consistently and mulch to steady soil moisture; irregular watering increases bitterness and bolting.
- Harvest outer leaves for cut-and-come-again; to blanch endive heads, tie outer leaves or collar 7–10 days before cutting.
- Edible leafy salad green with a naturally bitter-sweet flavor; ideal for frisée salad greens and broad-leaf escarole dishes.
- Suitable for containers (minimum 20–25 cm deep); use a moisture-retentive mix and monitor watering closely.
When should I sow Endive Seeds outdoors?
Sow endive seeds in early spring after the last frost for spring and early summer harvests, then repeat in late summer for autumn picking. As a cool season crop, endive prefers moderate temperatures; hot spells can increase bitterness and encourage bolting. In mild climates, autumn sowings may overwinter and provide an early start. Staggered sowings keep a steady supply of leafy salad greens, and light protection during cold snaps or heatwaves helps maintain even growth and flavor.
How do I grow endive from seed: soil, sun, and spacing?
Endive thrives in fertile, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil rich in organic matter. Provide full sun, shifting to partial shade during hot weather to preserve its bitter-sweet flavor. Sow thinly, keep the seedbed evenly moist, and thin and space plants about 25–30 cm / 10–12 in apart for good airflow. Plants typically reach 20–30 cm / 8–12 in in height. Consistent moisture supports tender leaves and firm semi-heading varieties; mulch can help regulate soil moisture and temperature.
What’s the difference between endive and escarole, and where does frisée fit?
All belong to the chicory family. Curly endive (often called frisée) has finely cut, frizzed leaves and a more pronounced bitter edge suited to frisée salad greens. Escarole has broader, smoother leaves, a milder taste, and forms looser heads. Growing needs are similar for both: cool conditions, steady moisture, and rich soil. For salads, look for semi-heading frisée types with pale, tender hearts; both open-pollinated and heirloom endive seeds can perform well when grown with even moisture.
Endive germination and thinning guide
Sow endive shallowly into a fine, firm seedbed or trays, covering lightly and watering gently to settle seed. Germination is most reliable in cool, evenly moist conditions; avoid drying out or waterlogging. Once seedlings show true leaves, thin gradually to reduce shock, aiming for a final spacing of 25–30 cm / 10–12 in. Thinnings can be used as baby leaf in a salad mix. Keep growth steady by watering in dry spells and lightly cultivating to maintain a crumbly, moisture-retentive tilth.
Can I grow endive in containers?
Yes, growing endive in containers works well when you use a roomy pot with drainage holes and a rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained mix. Position in full sun with some midday shade in heat. Sow thinly, keep compost consistently moist, and thin to the same spacing used in borders for full heads, or leave plants closer for cut-and-come-again baby leaf harvests. Regularly check moisture, as containers dry faster than beds, and rotate the pot to encourage even, compact growth.
How can I reduce bitterness in endive, and should I blanch heads?
Bitterness is moderated by steady moisture, fertile soil, and growth during cool weather; partial shade in hot periods also helps. Harvest promptly once heads or rosettes feel firm and full-sized. Blanching endive heads or escarole is optional and can yield paler, milder hearts: briefly exclude light from mature, dry foliage by tying outer leaves or using a breathable cover. Ensure good airflow and check regularly to avoid rot, then harvest soon after the center has paled.
Our seeds are sourced through reputable growers and distributors, prioritizing traceability, varietal integrity, and compliance with relevant quality and biosecurity standards. Lot codes enable batch-level tracking and germination testing according to recognized protocols. Packaging and labeling meet applicable regulations. Guidance provided is general and may vary with local conditions—including microclimate, soil, hardiness zone, and hemisphere—so consider site-specific factors. For precise handling, sowing, and safety details, refer to the product page for that batch.
Cool-season greens with frilly or broad leaves for salad bowls
Endive seeds produce cool-season greens prized for frilly (frisée) or broad (escarole) leaves and a pleasantly bitter edge. Sow after the last frost, or start indoors for transplanting once soil can be worked; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Favor fertile, well-drained soil and steady moisture; light shade during warm spells limits bolting and keeps leaves tender. Space plants for airflow and uniform heads. To obtain paler, sweeter hearts, gently tie outer leaves a week before harvest to blanch the center. Baby leaves suit salads; mature heads work raw or lightly braised. Water consistently for crisp texture and avoid excess nitrogen that can cause weak growth. Harvest during cool parts of the day and chill promptly to preserve firmness. Endive belongs to the chicory group and complements citrus, nuts, and robust cheeses in balanced dishes. Category reference: Vegetables Seeds
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
