Cichorium endivia (Endive Tres Fine Maraichere ) is a leafy green vegetable that is native to the Mediterranean region. It’s not as popular as other lettuce-like plants due to its bitter taste. But the Tres Fine Maraichere variety is much better tasting than wild endives or the ones commonly found in supermarkets. Which is great because Endives are full of vitamins and minerals and are a rich source of Vitamins A, K and Folate. Endives can be grown through or into winter and provide leaves all year round.
Unlike lettuce, they produce a bonus pale blue flower that is very attractive to bees.
Tres Fine Maraichere is a curled endive heirloom variety that was developed in France during the 19th century. It produces large frizzy leaves with fine ribs and are more suitable for warmer temperatures.
One grower in Michigan is reported as saying “Wow, an endive that is sweet. Almost unheard of.”.
Endive leaves are usually used in salads but are often too bitter for most to enjoy. So here is a highly nutritious variety, that tastes good and will continually produce fresh leaves.
Endives are best served raw with an acidic dressing but are unusual among greens because the leaves can stand up to a hot oil dressing or even a brief period on the grill.
Growth
Cichorium endivia is a cold hardy, biennial vegetable that grows to around 1 metre (3 feet) high. It is often grown as an annual due to its fast growth, quick harvest time and its ability to provide leaves year-round. This variety is sweeter tasting than wild endive and is sought after in France.
It thrives in temperatures between 13 and 27°C (55 and 80°F) and produces better tasting leaves in cooler conditions. Leaves harvested during the evening also store longer than those picked in the morning. In tropical locations Endive is usually grown during winter.
Some growers like to bundle up the outer leaves with an elastic band. This reduces sunlight to the centre of the plant, resulting in a blanched interior that is much sweeter and more tender than the tough outer leaves.
If growing in pots or seed trays, seedlings can be transplanted as soon as they are big enough to handle. Once transplanted feed with a liquid fertilizer high in nitrogen to provide a little burst. Endives will grow well if spaced close to each other say 3-5 cm (1-2 inches).
Endives produce pale blue flowers that extend much higher than the leaves and only open up in the morning.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asteraceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5 to 35°C / 23 to 80°F. The highest temperatures for short periods.
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun for around 3-5 hours per day, will tolerate some shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 30 cm’s (1 foot)
pH:
5.5-8.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Biennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Self pollinated and by bees.
MATURITY:
Average 45-60 days
GERMINATION RATES:
85-95%
GERMINATION TIME:
5-10 days at temperatures between 10-29°C (50-84°F)
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 700
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT CICHORIUM ENDIVIA (Endive Tres Fine Maraichere)
Endives are a very beneficial tonic to the liver and digestive system.
The seeds have been used in the treatment of fevers and headaches.
