Cultivated endive (Cichorium endivia)

Also known as: Broadleaved endive

The cultivated endive is a biennial plant that, when in flowering condition, grows to a height of 30 to 70 cm, occasionally reaching up to 1.4 meters. Unlike traditional lettuce, it forms rosettes of relatively thick, lobed leaves rather than dense heads. The flowering stems are thickened at the top, and the flowers are composed solely of ligulate florets. The plant typically flowers from summer through fall.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Cultivated endive

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

20 cm to 30 cm

Leaf Color

Green Yellow White Gold

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Color

Blue Purple

Images of Cultivated endive

Quickly Identify Cultivated endive

Curly, fringed leaves in one variety, smooth and broad leaves in the other.

Pale blue flowers with radial ligule arrangement, blooming in morning hours.

Fruit is obovoid to cylindrical with ribbing, smooth exterior in brown to gray tones.

Deeply dissected, oblanceolate leaves with cuneate base and variable margins.

Green to reddish-brown stem, fuzzy near base, reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm).

Scientific Classification of Cultivated endive

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Family

Daisy

Genus

Cichorium

Species

Cultivated endive

Planting and Growing of Cultivated endive

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 6 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Cultivated endive?

When watering Cichorium endivia, it's essential to ensure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. The ideal approach is to water until excess moisture begins to drain from the bottom of the pot, which usually means using about 250 ml each time.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Cultivated endive? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Cultivated endive?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Cichorium endivia flourishes under full sun or partial sun, ideally requiring six to eight hours daily. This lighting cultivates healthy development and flavorful leaf production.

What is the best lighting condition for Cichorium endivia? ›

How can you ensure ideal lighting for Cichorium endivia? ›

What benefits does correct lighting bring to Cichorium endivia? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Cultivated endive?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Cichorium endivia, commonly known as endive, is between 60°F and 75°F. Maintaining this temperature range ensures optimal growth and leaf production. The plant thrives in mild conditions where the environment is neither too hot nor too cold, promoting healthy development and crisp leaves.

What Soil is Best for Cultivated endive?

Soil type: Sandy loam, Loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Cichorium endivia thrives in nutrient-rich soils that provide ample organic matter. This ensures robust growth and vibrant leaves, essential for its culinary use. Enriching the soil with compost or well-rotted manure not only boosts fertility but also improves soil structure. This plant appreciates soil that drains well, preventing root rot and other water-related issues. A well-draining soil ensures that the roots receive adequate oxygen, promoting healthy growth and reducing disease susceptibility. While drainage is crucial, Cichorium endivia also benefits from consistent moisture. Selecting a soil medium that retains moisture without being waterlogged helps maintain the plant's turgor and overall vitality.

How to Fertilize Cultivated endive?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Cichorium endivia, remember it is sensitive to over-fertilization. Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer per gallon of water for liquid fertilizers. This should provide the essential nutrients without overwhelming the plant.

How to Prune Cultivated endive?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by removing any yellow or damaged leaves as they can be hosts for pests and disease. Using a pair of clean, sharp scissors, trim the outer leaves back to the base to allow more light and air circulation to the inner part of the plant. This promotes healthier growth and better yields. Always cut at a 45-degree angle to help water runoff. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Cultivated endive plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Late spring

To collect seeds of Cichorium endivia, allow the seeds to dry on the plant before harvesting. Once dry, cut the heads and place them in a paper bag, shake to release the seeds. It's important to store collected seeds in a cool, dry place until ready to sow.

Prepare a well-draining potting mix with compost or organic matter to enrich the soil. Having fertile soil is essential as it provides the necessary nutrients for seed germination and seedling establishment. It's advisable to sterilize the soil to prevent any fungal or bacterial infections.

Sow seeds in seed trays or directly into prepared garden beds. Sprinkle the seeds lightly on the surface and cover with a thin layer of soil. Ensure consistency in watering without causing waterlogging, which helps in proper seed germination.

Maintain soil consistently moist but not overwatered. Seeds require adequate warmth to germinate, so place them in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Once germination occurs, thin out seedlings to avoid competition for nutrients.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Cultivated endive plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Look for signs such as roots growing through the drainage holes, soil compacting, or the plant outgrowing its pot. These indicate that it’s time to consider repotting your Cichorium endivia to ensure it continues to thrive.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one, with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A slightly larger pot provides room for root growth, which is crucial for the plant's health and development.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. This type of soil not only ensures adequate drainage to prevent root rot but also supplies nutrients that promote strong growth.