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Want to grow endive?
It’s easier than you think!
With the right tactics, you can have a lush endive garden in no time. Here are 9 simple ways to get started.
Ready to dig in? Let’s go!
Choose the Right Variety
First things first, pick the right variety of endive for your garden. There are two main types: curly endive (also known as frisée) and broad-leaved endive (escarole).
Both are great, but they have different flavors and uses. Curly endive is a bit more bitter, while escarole is milder and great for salads.
Figure out which one suits your taste buds!
Prepare the Soil
Endive loves well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. Loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is your best bet.
Before planting, mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to give your endive the nutrients it needs. The soil should be loose and easy to work with, so fluffy it up a bit with a garden fork or tiller.
Plant the Seeds
Sow your endive seeds directly into the garden bed. Do this in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them about 1 foot apart. Water them lightly but consistently to keep the soil moist.
In about 7-10 days, you’ll see those little seedlings pop up!
Water Regularly
Endive needs a good amount of water to grow well, so make sure to keep the soil consistently moist. Watering deeply about once a week should be enough, but keep an eye on the weather; if it’s extra hot, you might need to water more often.
Just don’t let the soil dry out completely.
Thin the Seedlings
When your seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall, it’s time to thin them out. This means pulling out some plants to make room for others to grow.
Aim for about 18 inches of space between each plant. This might seem harsh, but trust me, your endive will thank you with bigger, healthier leaves.
Control the Weeds
Weeds can be a real pain, stealing nutrients and water from your endive. Keep your garden bed weed-free by pulling weeds regularly or using mulch.
A thin layer of mulch will also help retain soil moisture, which is a win-win!
Fertilize Wisely
Feed your endive with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. A 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 formula works well.
Just follow the instructions on the package for the best results. Over-fertilizing can lead to lush leaves with little flavor, so don’t overdo it!
Harvest at the Right Time
Endive is ready to harvest when the leaves are about 5-6 inches long. Cut the leaves about an inch above the soil line, and they might even grow back for a second harvest.
Fresh endive tastes best, so enjoy it soon after picking.
Store Your Harvest
After harvesting, store your endive in the fridge. It should last about a week in the crisper drawer.
Wash the leaves and pat them dry before use. Wrap them in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag to keep them fresh longer.