Cichorium endivia Seeds | Endive
LATIN NAME: Cichorium endivia
COMMON NAME: Endive
Plant Profile
Cichorium endivia, commonly known as Endive, is an annual in the daisy family. Endive is crisp, curled green of cool salad bed, and small, blue-lilac, daisy-like heads open in second season. Young leaves have a long record as crisp, slightly bitter green of salad bowl, and plant is a fine, generous presence of cool vegetable garden. It is a plant of open, sunny, rich, moist, well-drained ground. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the daisy family, Cichorium endivia contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Species like this one find a second career as research material, especially in propagation and breeding work.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Endive earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Endive is a fine, generous plant of cool vegetable garden. Sow in small successions through cool season, and crisp hearts will come along for weeks. Seedlings come through in good time and grow on fast. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Chicory root is the richest common source of inulin, the prebiotic fiber used worldwide in functional foods, and roasted root remains the classic caffeine-free coffee additive; endive and radicchio are its salad forms.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Endive, and the process is uncomplicated. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Endive is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. What it needs is basic: sun, drainage, and a little patience while it establishes.
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