Endive

Although the minimum soil temperature for germination is 15C (59F), endive germinates best at 20-22C (68-72F).

Sow early crops under glass in pots and modules, and transplant. Plants tend to bolt if temperatures fall below 5C (41F) for too long, but bolt-resistant cultivars are often successful for early sowings. Sow thinly from April to August, 13mm (0.5in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart, thinning to 23-38cm (9-13in) apart within the rows.

Sow from mid to late August for winter crops, transplant and grow in glasshouse or use cloches from October- November.

Sow from February to October for ‘cut and come again’ seedlings, if the soil is warm enough, or under glass or horticultural fleece, sowing every three weeks. Sow ‘cut and come again’ crops in broad drills or containers.

Soils should be light, rich and free draining, but any soil can be used as long as it is not waterlogged. Dry soil can cause ‘bolting’ (running to seed), so keep the soil moist.

Higher temperatures encourage bitterness, though curled types are heat tolerant. Water thoroughly before the onset of dry weather, mulch and keep weed free. Liquid feed fortnightly in summer with a general fertiliser.

Blanch endive about 12 weeks after sowing when the heads have matured. Make sure the leaves are dry (damp leaves are likely to rot) and tie them loosely together with raffia or soft string. Alternatively, place a tile, piece of cardboard or a dinner plate over the centre of the plant, or cover with a bucket or a black plastic pot with the drainage holes covered.

Blanching takes about 10-15 days, but in cooler autumn weather may take longer. Blanch a few at a time, as plants rapidly deteriorate afterwards (especially in warm or rainy weather).

‘Cut and come again’ crops can be harvested after about five weeks – one or two cuts are possible before they run to seed.

Sever the head with a sharp knife when the leaves are creamy white.

Harvest ‘cut and come again’ leaves with scissors.

‘Wallone’ AGM: Large, vigorous and high yielding with rich, green, finely cut leaves. Good for ‘cut and come again’ cropping.

‘Despa’ AGM: An attractive frisée type which is resistant to ‘bolting’.

‘Frenzy’ AGM: Compact and uniform with very finely cut leaves – used in top restaurants.

‘Lassie’ AGM: High yielding and well flavoured, with a very deeply cut leaf.

‘Natacha’ AGM: A tasty, hardy Batavian or Escarole type, for winter sowing. Resistant to ‘bolting’.

‘Golda’ AGM: A short-leaf Batavian type. Hardy for winter cropping, does not need ‘blanching’.

‘Cornet de Bordeaux’: An old variety - very tasty and extremely hardy.

Slugs: At their most active at night and after rain, they are particularly fond of soft new growth.

Remedy: It’s impossible to completely eradicate slugs and snails. Non-chemical controls including picking off slugs or making traps consisting of a jar half-filled with beer sunk into the ground near plants. Encourage natural predators and practice good garden hygiene. Iron phosphate-based slug pellets are nearly as effective as other similar pellets and are less likely to cause harm to beneficial wildlife.

Read more information on slugs

Aphids: Look for colonies of greenfly on the soft shoot tips of plants or on leaves. They suck sap and excrete sticky honeydew, encouraging the growth of black sooty moulds.

Remedy: Use your finger and thumb to squash aphid colonies, spray with pyrethrum, fatty acids, plant or fish oils or use the biological control aphidius or aphidoletes in the greenhouse.

Read more information on aphids