Endive Seeds - Escarole and Frisée Varieties
Endive seeds bring aromatic autumn and winter salads to the garden. These robust leafy salads from the species Cichorium endivia form large rosettes with aromatic, slightly bitter leaves and belong to the classic salads for the late gardening season.
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Two main types of endive are distinguished: escarole and frisée. Both belong botanically to the same species, but differ clearly in leaf structure and flavour.
Escarole forms broad, strong and relatively smooth leaves with firm ribs. These varieties are particularly robust, store well and are somewhat milder in flavour. Frisée endives, on the other hand, have strongly cut, finely curled leaves and a more intense, slightly bitter aroma.
Endive is usually sown in summer and harvested in autumn or early winter. Many varieties are relatively cold tolerant and are therefore particularly suitable for the later gardening season.
Sowing and Growing Endive
Endive is usually grown as a summer and autumn salad. Direct sowing outdoors generally takes place from April to August. Alternatively, young plants can be started indoors or in a greenhouse and planted out into the bed from May.
The seeds are sown about 0.5 to 1 cm deep. After germination, the plants are thinned to a spacing of about 25 to 30 cm, with row spacing of about 30 to 40 cm. A sunny to partially shaded location and loose, humus-rich soil promote healthy growth.
The soil should be kept evenly moist, but waterlogging should be avoided. Shortly before harvest, the outer leaves can be loosely tied together. This keeps the heart lighter, more tender and the flavour somewhat milder.
Growing Escarole and Frisée in the Garden
Endives are among the more robust leafy salads and are particularly well suited for cultivation in late summer and autumn. Escarole varieties form large rosettes with broad, strong leaves and are usually somewhat milder in flavour. Frisée varieties have finely curled leaves and a distinctly more aromatic, slightly bitter taste.
Because of their good tolerance to cooler temperatures, many endives can be harvested well into late autumn. In raised beds or under fleece, the harvest period often extends even into winter.
FAQ about Endive
When can endive be sown?
Endive is usually sown from April to August. The main harvest takes place in autumn and early winter.
What is the difference between escarole and frisée?
Escarole has broad, smooth leaves and is usually somewhat milder in flavour. Frisée forms finely curled leaves with a more intense, slightly bitter taste.
Why are endives blanched?
By tying together the outer leaves, the heart of the plant is protected from light. This makes the inner leaves lighter, more tender and less bitter.
