Also called frisée, endive's beautiful lacy leaves turn ordinary lettuce salad into an upscale, bistro mesclun. The mild flavor blends well with other greens and the crisp, finely cut leaves add interesting texture. Use in the flower garden for an exquisite ornamental.
PLANTING TIPS
Soil: Rich, fertile, and well-draining soil. Dry soil will trigger early bolting (
send up a flower stalk).
Soil pH level: Ideally between 5.5 and 6.8 (though it tolerates up to 8.3).
Fertilizer: Mix in plenty of compost before planting to provide the rich nutrients heavy feeders like frisée need. Use mulch to keep the roots cool and retain moisture
Temperature: 45° - 75° F. NOTE: Temperatures about 75° will cause plant to bolt ( and turn leaves bitter.
Sun exposure: full sun exposure, with filtered sun in hotter afternoons. High temperatures will induce early bolting.
Days to Maturity: 42-70 days
Spacing: Can be planted in groups of 3 every 6 inches.
Water: Maintain soil evenly moist, but not water logged.
Harvest: Harvest in the morning and before temperatures get above 90°F. You might want to discard the outer leaves, as they tend to be more bitter than inner leaves. Dunk plants in cold or ice water to cool, then drain before storing.
The leaves can actually be harvested any time in a "cut-and-come-again" manner; this is particularly good when warm weather is approaching quickly, threatening to cause plants to bolt.
In fall, harvest after first couple of light frosts; flavor is actually improved with light frost. When plants are 6" across, entire head can be cut at the base.
