How to Grow Endive in Australia
A cool-season leafy crop for the home garden
Growing Endive rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$3-5/week, specialty salad green that adds variety and is pricey in supermarkets.
This guide covers when to plant Endive in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Endive is a cool-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July and August. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Green Curled (Frisee)
Finely cut, frilly leaves with a slightly bitter edge. The classic French salad endive. Blanch to sweeten.
Try: Eden Seeds, Mr Fothergill's, Diggers
Broad-Leaved Batavian (Escarole)
Wide, thick leaves with a milder flavour. Used in Italian cooking. Hardier than curly types.
Try: Eden Seeds, Mr Fothergill's
Position and Soil
Give Endive part sun to light shade. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 25cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 25 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 8 days, fastest when the soil is between 10 and 22 degrees.
Cool-season salad green with a pleasant mild bitterness. Blanching the inner leaves by tying outer leaves over the heart for 2-3 weeks sweetens the flavour considerably. Two main types: curly (frisee) and broad-leaf (escarole). Direct sow or transplant seedlings in autumn through winter. Bolts in heat.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 4 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Aphids, Slugs and Snails. The main diseases to watch are Downy mildew and Bottom rot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Endive is typically ready to harvest in roughly 6 weeks. Fridge in a sealed bag, up to 5 days.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, endive is good fresh in mixed salads for bitter contrast, braised with garlic and olive oil, added to soups and stews and grilled and dressed with vinaigrette. Nutritionally: good source of folate and vitamin K and contains fibre for digestive health.
Companion Planting
Endive grows well alongside Lettuce, Radish and Carrot. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Endive Growing
Add endive to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Endive in Australia?
Endive is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July and August. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Endive take to grow?
Endive is generally ready to harvest in roughly 6 weeks.
Can I grow Endive in a pot?
Yes. Endive grows well in a container of 25cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Endive need?
Give it part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Endive in the Plant Library
