This morning I planted a flat of endive. It was the first time I have ever planted it and I’m pretty excited. I’m not sure what I’m looking forward to more, it’s funny leaves or to actually eat it. All I know it that it looks cool, and therefore probably tastes cool too.
Brief description: Endive is a leafy green that classes up any salad. It also dresses up flower beds and gardens, as it is considered an ornamental edible, as well.
Where to Plant Endive: Plant in cool weather {early spring or late fall} in containers, beds, or raised beds.
Planting Seeds: Start indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost and transplant outdoors 4-6 weeks after starting. Plant seeds about 1/4″ deep and thin to 1 plant per seed pot when plants reach about 1″.
Growing Tips: Care for endive much as you would lettuce. It does not need a particularly fertile soil to thrive and it tends to like cooler climates.
How to Harvest: Plants are ready to harvest when they reach about 10″-15″ tall. The entire plant can be harvested, leaving only the base. Tear off with your hands at the base of the plant.
Endive Recipes to Try:
Mixed Greens with Mustard Dressing – Bon Appetit
Fun Fact: Endive is a cool weather plant, and its taste actually improves after exposure to a frost.
Have you ever had endive before? What did you think?
~Mavis
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