How to grow Endive in the UK
Cichorium endivia
Endive (Cichorium endivia) is a vegetable that grows well in UK gardens. Bitter salad green — blanch heads with a plate for milder flavour. 'Fine de Louvier' is hardy. This guide covers when and how to sow Endive, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
When to sow & grow Endive
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May Sow | Jun | Jul Harvest | Aug Sow · Harvest | Sep Harvest | Oct Harvest | Nov Harvest | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Fertile, free-draining soil enriched with garden compost
- Soil pH
- 6.5–7.0 (neutral)
- Position
- Open, sunny site
- Sowing depth
- 1 cm
- Spacing
- Thin to 30 cm
- Sowing
- Sow Jun–Aug; cool-season salad
- Growing
- Blanch hearts by covering for 10 days to reduce bitterness
- Harvest & upkeep
- Cut whole heads
- Watch for
- Slugs, aphids
Companion planting for Endive
No specific companion notes for this plant.
Add Endive to your free 12-month plan and get watering & sowing reminders — no sign-up needed.
Endive FAQs
When should I sow Endive in the UK?
In the UK, sow Endive in May, August. Sowing across these months gives the plant the right soil temperature and day length to establish well.
How much sun does Endive need?
Endive prefers partial sun (3–6 hrs).
When is Endive ready to harvest?
Endive is typically ready to harvest in July, August, September, October, November in the UK.
Is Endive easy to grow?
Moderate. Bitter salad green — blanch heads with a plate for milder flavour. 'Fine de Louvier' is hardy.