Endive

A hardy substitute for lettuce, which can cope with high temperatures, and is low maintenance with few pests. They come in all sorts of colours, sizes and shapes.

How to grow endive

Sow indoors or out, in late spring, in a sunny location. Sow little and often for a regular supply until the end of August.

Blanch under a bucket or large pot for two weeks once the leaves are formed to reduce the bitterness of the leaves.

Harvesting & eating endive

Harvest as a cut-and-come again salad leaf from spring to autumn – the bitter leaves lend themselves to winter salads with fruit or cheese.

Some types of endive can produce mature heads, which will be ready three months after sowing, and can be baked or braised whole.

Troubleshooting

Endive needs warm temperatures to germinate so best sown indoors for planting out later. Slugs and snails enjoy the leaves so plant out seedlings when they are sturdy, or try these methods.

The plants do not like waterlogged or dry soils and can bolt if conditions are very hot, so keep well watered.