Endive (Cichorium endivia)

Family: Asteraceae [Compositae] | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Cichorium endivia is a BIENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

tastes to be used as the main salad leaf. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Leaves of wild plants are very bitter but there are many named forms with only a slight bitterness.; The leaves are quite large and often form a rosette like cabbages.; They are very easy to harvest.

Habitat & North American Range

Rocks and sand by the sea. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)