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How to Grow Endive

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Endive (Cichorium endivia)

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Supplies You'll Need

Raised Garden Bed Vegetable Garden Soil Hand Trowel Set Watering Can

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Plant Overview

Scientific Name Cichorium endivia
Category vegetable
Type Leaf
Days to Maturity 85 days
Starting Method Direct Sow

Growing Requirements

Sun

Partial Shade to Full Sun

Water

Regular (keep moist)

Spacing

12" apart

Depth

0.25" deep

Height

10-16"

Germination

5-10 days

Ready to Grow Endive?

Find quality seeds from trusted suppliers.

Buy on Amazon True Leaf Market

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Seed Saving Guide

Moderate
Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow plants to bolt and seed heads to dry fully on the stalk.

Processing

Cut dried stalks into a bag, thresh to release seeds, winnow lightly.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Endive cross-pollinates with chicory — isolate by 300 feet if growing both and saving seed from either.

Seed Storage Supplies

Seed Envelopes Mylar Storage Bags Silica Gel Packets Seed Organizer

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Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Endive. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Endive Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Endive Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Endive? +

Sow Endive seeds directly in the garden 4 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

How long does Endive take to grow? +

Endive typically matures in about 85 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Endive indoors or direct sow? +

Endive does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.

How much sun does Endive need? +

Endive requires partial shade to full sun to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Endive? +

Space Endive plants 12 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Endive need? +

Endive has regular (keep moist) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Endive? +

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Endive is rated moderate. Allow plants to bolt and seed heads to dry fully on the stalk. Cut dried stalks into a bag, thresh to release seeds, winnow lightly.

How long do Endive seeds last in storage? +

Properly dried and stored Endive seeds remain viable for up to 3 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Are Endive seeds open-pollinated? +

Yes — Endive is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.

About Endive

Slightly bitter salad green that improves in flavor after light frost. Blanch by covering heads for 2 weeks before harvest to reduce bitterness.

Expect your Endive to be ready for harvest in approximately 85 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.