Water
Endive prefers consistently moist soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
In hot weather, you may need to water more frequently to maintain soil moisture.
Also known as Cicoare · Common Chicory · Cultivated Chicory
Endive (Cichorium endivia) is a leafy green vegetable with a slightly bitter taste, often used in salads and as a garnish. It is a member of the chicory family.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but can tolerate some afternoon shade in very hot climates.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water at the base to prevent leaf diseases.
Loam
50% intensity
Cool Season Crop
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 15-20°C. Can tolerate light frost.
Moderate Feeder
50% intensity
Enrich soil with compost. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Endive prefers consistently moist soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
In hot weather, you may need to water more frequently to maintain soil moisture.
Pruning is generally not required for endive. Any damaged or yellowed outer leaves can be removed to improve air circulation and plant health.
Harvest outer leaves as needed, allowing the inner core to continue developing.
Endive is primarily grown from seed. Sow seeds directly into the garden in spring or fall, depending on your climate. Seeds can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost for an earlier harvest.
Thin seedlings to the recommended spacing.
Endive is typically grown as an annual and is not repotted. If you are growing it in containers and wish to prolong its harvest, you can move it to a slightly larger pot if it becomes root-bound, but this is uncommon.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Endive (Cichorium endivia)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cichorium |
| Species | Cichorium endivia |
Similar in genus Cichorium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
