Endive Cichorium endivia
Endive (Cichorium endivia) is an annual vegetable in the Asteraceae family, native to Mediterranean region and western Asia. It grows 25–40 cm (10–16 in) tall and 30–40 cm (12–16 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -6 °C (21 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Endive in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Endive at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 25–40 cm (10–16 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–40 cm (12–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -6 °C (21 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 24 °C (75 °F) |
| Flowering | about 14–21 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 90 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves |
| Native to | Mediterranean region and western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Endive toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not toxic; a salad vegetable.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Endive
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Endive
- How far apart should I plant Endive?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–40 cm (12–16 in).
- Does Endive need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Endive need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Endive?
- It tolerates about -6 °C (21 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Endive flower?
- About 14–21 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is Endive poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not toxic; a salad vegetable.
- What grows well with Endive?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Endive. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Frisee and escarole types; bolts if sown too early in long days or chilled as a seedling; blanching is optional.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus