Crisp, slightly bitter greens for cool-season salads
Organic Endive Seeds offer an authentic selection of leafy greens prized for crisp texture and nuanced, slightly bitter notes. As Cichorium endivia, this cool-season crop spans curly endive (frisée) and broadleaf escarole, making a versatile salad greens category for raw mixes and warm dishes alike. Curated lines include Organic Curly Endive Seeds and Organic Escarole Seeds, with open-pollinated and heirloom types that maintain strong garden performance and distinctive flavour. A reliable kitchen garden staple, these organic vegetable seeds encourage biodiversity by widening leaf shapes, textures, and harvest windows across beds and containers.
The Organic Endive Seeds range is selected for steady growth in cool conditions and performs in full sun with light shade in heat, retaining crispness and balanced bitterness. Sowing after the last frost supports spring to early summer harvests, while a late-summer sowing suits autumn yields; in mild climates, autumn sowing may also be possible. Consistent moisture and fertile garden soil support uniform heads and attractive frisée curls, whether established by direct sowing or raised as transplant seedlings. Compact habits suit containers and raised bed gardening where space is at a premium.
With Organic Endive Seeds, harvest timing can be tailored: take baby leaf harvests for tender salads, or allow plants to mature for dense hearts. Many growers blanch endive hearts for a paler, milder core and select bolt resistant varieties for longer, cut-and-come-again production. Escarole and curly endive respond well to succession sowing, companion planting, and partial shade in heat to maintain texture. Choices range from Organic Frisée Seeds with finely cut leaves to Open-pollinated Endive Seeds bred for broad, sweet-leaning heads—each an edible staple suited to both borders and patio pots.
Cichorium endivia
This list highlights related organic leafy vegetables and herbs connected to the endive category. It provides quick access to the broader organic seed range and neighboring categories suited to varied tastes, textures, and growing windows. Options span salad staples, robust cooking greens, and aromatic herbs that do well in cool periods or partial shade, supporting diverse beds and succession plantings from early spring through cooler late-season conditions.
Cichorium endivia
Cichorium endivia, including curly endive frisée and broad‑leaf escarole, thrives in full sun with light shade in heat. Grow in fertile, moisture‑retentive yet well‑drained soil enriched with organic matter; raised bed gardening helps keep consistent moisture for tender, less bitter greens. Sow after the last frost for spring to early summer harvests, and again in late summer for autumn yields; in mild climates autumn sowing may be possible. Direct sow or transplant seedlings, spacing plants about 25–30 cm apart. Keep evenly watered to reduce stress and bolting. Plants reach roughly 20–30 cm tall, ideal for salad greens or baby leaf harvest as a cut‑and‑come‑again crop.
- For reliable germination, sow 5–10 mm deep in cool soil (~15–21°C); in hot spells, start in shade to avoid thermodormancy.
- Succession sow every 2–3 weeks; take baby leaf cuts or harvest mature heads before sustained heat.
- Blanching endive hearts: when nearly full size, tie outer leaves or cover 7–14 days to mellow bitterness; keep foliage dry.
- Limit bolting with steady moisture and fertility; choose bolt‑resistant strains and give partial shade in heat.
- Suitable for containers: use a deep pot with a well‑drained loam‑based mix; water consistently and feed lightly.
- Edible leaves for salads or cooking; cooler growth and blanching produce a milder flavor.
How do I grow organic endive from seed successfully?
Organic Endive Seeds can be direct sown in prepared beds or started as transplant seedlings. Sow shallowly in fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, keeping the seedbed evenly moist for steady germination. Thin seedlings gradually to strong individuals, using thinnings as baby leaf salad greens. Maintain consistent moisture to limit bitterness in these cool-season bitter greens. Harvest can begin as baby leaves once they’re large enough to clip, or allow plants to mature into full heads of curly endive (frisée) or broad-leaf escarole.
When should I sow endive after the last frost for the best results?
Time sowings for cool weather. Sow after the last frost for spring to early summer harvests, then sow again in late summer for autumn yields; in mild climates autumn sowing may be possible. Avoid peak heat, which encourages bolting. For a steady supply, consider succession sowing at brief intervals so new plantings replace older ones. Transplants can help bridge seasonal gaps, but direct sowing works well whenever soil is workable and moisture can be maintained.
What spacing and planting guidance suits endive, and how much sun does it need?
Space plants about 25–30 cm (10–12 in) apart to allow airflow and full head development; mature height is approximately 20–30 cm (8–12 in). Position in full sun for sturdy growth, offering light shade during heat spells to reduce stress. Endive prefers a fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained loam; steady watering helps keep leaves tender and slows bolting. Raised bed gardening can improve drainage and consistency. Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and to keep the root zone cool.
Can you grow endive in containers or pots?
Yes, endive grows reliably in containers. Choose a wide pot or trough with at least 20–25 cm (8–10 in) depth and use a rich, well-drained organic mix. Space plants as you would in beds (or grow a close “cut-and-come-again” patch for baby leaves). Water consistently, as containers dry faster than borders. Full sun promotes compact heads, but offer partial shade in heat to maintain leaf quality. Regular light feeding with compost or organic amendments supports continuous growth.
How do you blanch endive hearts in the garden?
Blanching endive hearts can mellow bitterness and yield pale, tender centers. Once heads are nearly full, many gardeners loosely gather outer leaves and tie them over the heart, or cover individual plants with breathable caps to exclude light. Ensure foliage is dry before tying to reduce rot risk, and check frequently for moisture buildup. Blanching typically finishes when the heart turns paler and feels firm; harvest promptly to capture the sweetest flavor and crisp texture.
What’s the difference between curly endive (frisée) and escarole, and does care differ?
Curly endive, often called frisée, forms finely cut, frilly leaves with a more pronounced bitter edge—popular in salad greens mixes and for blanching. Escarole develops broader, flatter leaves with a milder taste and a tender heart. Both are cool-season crops grown from Organic Endive Seeds with similar needs: fertile, well-drained soil, consistent moisture, and spacing around 25–30 cm. Either can be harvested as baby leaf or full heads, and both benefit from light shade during hot spells.
Seeds are sourced from accredited producers and packed under documented quality systems. Lots are tested for germination and purity, with traceability maintained, and supplied in line with applicable seed and plant-health regulations. Guidance provided is general and may vary with microclimate, soil, hardiness zone, or hemisphere. Local requirements may affect use or import. Product pages carry specific instructions, certification details, and any treatment or organic status.
Crisp, slightly bitter greens for cool-season salads
Organic Endive Seeds yield frisée and escarole types with crisp, lacy leaves and a refined, slightly bitter bite that brightens mixed salads and cooked dishes. Sow in cool conditions—after the last frost for a spring crop, or late summer for autumn harvests. In mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Provide fertile, well-draining soil and steady moisture to avoid bitterness spikes; heat and drought can trigger bolting. Thin seedlings for airflow and uniform heads, and consider light shade during warm spells. For a sweeter heart, gently blanch by loosely tying outer leaves a week before harvest. Harvest when heads feel firm and full, or cut outer leaves for a cut-and-come-again approach. Endive pairs well with citrus, nuts, and robust dressings, and stands up to quick braising. Category: Organic Seeds.
€4,95
