did you know?

Although it probably originated in eastern India, endive was also cultivated by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. It was first brought to the United States in the 1630s, and 'Green Curled' has been grown here since at least 1850. As a salad green, endive has never been more popular than it is today.

general maintenance:

Thin plants to 12?18 inches apart (use the thinnings in salads). Cut off any flower stalks that appear. Mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

pests/diseases:

Leaf crop pests include slugs, snails, aphids, and cutworms. When grown in the cool weather that endive prefers, it is rarely troubled by disease.

controls:

Avoid watering leaf crops in the evening; doing so attracts slugs and snails. For slugs, spread diatomaceous earth around the plants or set out shallow dishes filled with beer. Hose off aphids and cutworms in the morning with a strong stream of water. Good garden hygiene should discourage these pests.

how to sow/plant:

Sow indoors 3?4 weeks before last frost, 1/4 inch deep and 5?6 inches apart; transplant or direct sow 2 weeks before last frost. For fall crop, sow 15 weeks before first frost.

water and fertilize:

Keep soil evenly moist. Feed every 3 weeks with compost tea or balanced fertilizer, following package directions.

garden hint:

The bitterness of endives can be reduced by blanching. Starting about 10 days before harvest, cover the plants with a flower pot, or gather outer leaves and tie them up to block out light.

features:

• Heirloom

garden uses:

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible (adds great texture and bite to salads)