If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you are used to me sharing these not so common vegetables on here. Do you remember the posts on how to grow jicama and how to grow ichiban Japanese eggplants in your garden? Well today I have yet another one that you may not be familiar with. Yep, we shall be looking at how to grow endive today.
Endive (Cichorium endivia) is a member of the chicory family and tends to have a bitter taste. Its origins can be traced back to Europe and there are two main edible varieties. There is the curly endive which tends to be narrower, green, curly leaves on the outside. The other one is Escarole which tends to be less bitter with paler broad leaves. When it comes to nutrients, it is rich in Vitamin A, vitamin K, folate and fibre.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- endive seeds---------------------- Advertisement ----------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------- - compost
- sand
- potting soil
- mulch
- fish emulsion
Since this is a cool weather crop, you want to try planting it as early as possible. Outdoors you can plant seeds about an inch apart 21 days before your last frost. If starting the seeds indoors, then you want to add another 3 to 4 weeks before your intended planting date. The chosen location must get full sun and well drained soil. Work your compost into the soil before planting.
Regular watering is required or the leaves with become too bitter. Apply a layer of mulch and fertilize with fish emulsion. As for pests, keep an eye out for aphids, slugs and snails. Rabbits also love to munch on the leaves, a fence maybe required to keep them at bay. You can start harvesting when the leaves are 2 inches long, all the way up to 80 days after planting. Enjoy in salads, soups or even stews. 🙂
You can get more information on the Gardening With Charlie blog, here…
You can watch the video belwo on 5 Tips How to Grow a Ton of ENDIVE in Just One Raised Bed …
You can watch the video below on How to grow chicory/endive at home (indoors)…
You can watch the video below on Growing Belgian Endive…
