Cichorium endivia

RHS Plant Profile
endive
Annual Biennial Herbs - Culinary

A cultivated annual or biennial which first produces a rosette of edible green leaves, but if left, grows a tall flowering stem with sky-blue flowers. It is the original plant from which many frisee and escarole chicories have been selected

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted, Columnar upright
Genus
Cichorium can be annual or perennial plants with loosely branched stems bearing toothed or pinnately lobed leaves and dandelion-like, usually blue flowers which close by early afternoon, in summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Asia, Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moist but well-drained soil - ideally alkaline - in good light. For more advice see endive cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails and to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free