How to grow Endive in New Zealand
Endive (Cichorium endivia) is a cool-season salad green with a pleasant, mild bitterness, in two main forms: frilly curled endive or frisée, and broad-leaved escarole. Blanching the heart for a couple of weeks before harvest makes it paler, milder and sweeter. It grows best in autumn, winter and spring, as heat makes it bolt.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Endive in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | February to April, August to October | |
| Auckland | February to April, August to October | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | February to April, August to October | |
| Central North Island | February to April, September and October | Skip August in the central North Island. Hard frosts and cold soil stall seedlings, so start in September, under a cloche if you can. |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | February to April, August to October | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | February to April, August to October | |
| Canterbury | February to April, September to November | Sow Sep to Nov and Feb to Apr. Cover early sowings with a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run to mid October. Get the last sowing in by Apr so it sizes up before winter growth stops. |
| Otago & Southland | February to April, September to November | Sow Sep to Nov and Feb to Apr. Cover early sowings with a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run to late October. Get the last sowing in by Apr so it sizes up before winter growth stops. |
| Central Otago | February to April, September to November | Sow Sep to Nov and Feb to Apr. Cover early sowings with a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run to early November. Get the last sowing in by Apr so it sizes up before winter growth stops. |
Not to be confused with: Chicory, a close relative; witloof chicory is sold as Belgian endive, but curled endive and escarole are a different species.
Where to plant
Grow endive in moist, well-drained soil with compost dug in, in full sun during the cool months and light shade as the weather warms. In the warm north, sow it from autumn through winter, as it bolts in summer heat.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Wellington, and Nelson and Marlborough: sow from August to October and February to April.
- Central North Island: skip August. Sow in September and October and from February to April.
- Canterbury, Otago and Southland, and Central Otago: sow from September to November and February to April, covering early sowings with a cloche or frost cloth. Get the last sowing in by April.
Choosing a variety
- Green Curled or Ruffec (frisée): frilly, heavily cut leaves forming a large rosette up to 45 cm across, mid-green outside and blanching creamy yellow in the centre. Introduced before 1865.
- Broad-leaved Batavian (escarole): broad, flat leaves, good braised or in salads, and blanches well.
How to plant
- Sow seed about 6 mm deep in trays or directly where it is to grow.
- Keep moist; seedlings appear in 7 to 14 days.
- Transplant or thin to 20 to 25 cm apart.
- Water in and mulch with pea or lucerne straw.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil evenly moist, as dry soil makes endive bolt and taste more bitter. A liquid feed every few weeks keeps growth steady.
Pruning and care through the year
- To blanch, once plants are full size and dry, gather and tie the outer leaves over the heart, or cover the plant with a large upturned pot, for 2 to 3 weeks before harvest.
- Blanch only a few plants at a time, as blanched hearts do not keep long, and check for slugs under the covers.
- Make sure leaves are dry before tying or covering, to avoid rot.
Harvesting
Harvest the whole head at the base after blanching, about 10 weeks after sowing, or pick outer leaves as you need them. The blanched centre is mild and sweet, while unblanched leaves stay pleasantly bitter.
Endive keeps up to five days in a sealed bag in the fridge.
Growing in pots
Endive grows well in a pot at least 25 to 30 cm wide, in a sunny spot protected from strong wind. Keep the mix moist.
Using it
Use endive in mixed salads, where its bitterness balances sweet and rich ingredients, or braise, grill or add escarole to soups and beans.
Companion planting
Endive is a cool-season salad crop that fits between other quick crops.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Slugs and snails are the main pests, especially under blanching covers.
Pests to watch for
- Slugs Large ragged holes and silvery trails.
- Snails Chewed leaf edges, often hidden in the heart.
- Aphids New leaves distorted and yellow, with sooty mould.
- Caterpillars Chewed leaves with black droppings.
Diseases to watch for
- Downy mildew Yellow patches on leaves with grey fuzz underneath in cool, damp weather.
- Root rot Bottom rot: slimy brown rot on the lower leaves touching wet soil. Mulch, avoid overwatering and blanch only dry plants.
Common questions
How do I make endive less bitter?
Blanch it: when the plant is full size and dry, tie the outer leaves over the heart or cover it with a large upturned pot for 2 to 3 weeks before harvest. The centre turns pale and sweet.
When do I sow endive in New Zealand?
From August to October and February to April in most regions. In the warm north, autumn and winter sowings do best, as heat makes it bolt.
What is the difference between endive and escarole?
Both are Cichorium endivia. Curled endive or frisée has frilly, finely cut leaves; escarole has broad, flat leaves.
Is endive the same as Belgian endive?
No. Belgian endive is witloof chicory, grown from forced roots. Curled endive and escarole are a different species.
Can I pick endive leaves as it grows?
Yes. Pick outer leaves as needed, or harvest the whole head once it is full size and blanched.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow endive; Yates NZ: Common problems of endive; Kings Seeds: Endive Ruffec Green Curled.