Growing Endive

Cichorium endivia : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S S S S            
      T T T T          
      P P P            

(Best months for growing Endive in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 cm apart
  • Harvest in 10-11 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): beans, brassicas, carrots, cucumbers, chervil, sage.
  • Avoid growing close to: Alliums (garlic and onions)

Your comments and tips

21 May 13, Christine Lucas (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
We supply cricket and worms etc to the critter world and pet shops, We get a lot of requests for endives for iguanas. Can I buy wholesale somewhere or do you suggest I grow my own? If so, were can I get seeds?
26 Apr 13, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am a cancer patient and my doctor recommended that I include ENDIVE in my diet. do you sell endive or know someone who growns and sell it? Your consideration on the matter will be very much appreciated. Kind regards Carlos V. Mbanze
29 Nov 12, Ian (Australia - temperate climate)
I tried to grow endives only twice here it bunches up like lettuce not like I buy in the shop, I only grow it for the birds they love it. But mine they love ok but does grow big like what I can buy its about 18" high and the turn it in side out prity big bunches but mine as I said like small lettuce what am I doing wrong ?
18 Nov 16, Vanessa Lucas (Australia - temperate climate)
I think you are thinking of Belgian Endive, which is grown by cutting of the first growth which forces the root to produce the pale tight endive you buy in the shops here
30 Nov 16, Ruth (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello Vanessa, I am looking to grow or buy Belgian endives in Brisbane. Do you know of any growers that supply Belgian Endives? Thanks very much.
04 Jan 17, vanessa (Australia - temperate climate)
Sorry Ruth, not sure (I am in Sydney) Good luck though!
23 May 12, willem (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can we buy endive seeds in south africa We need contact detail off a supplier
Showing 11 - 17 of 17 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Endive

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.