Broadleaf Batavian Endive, Chicory

Broadleaf Batavian Endive Chicory Seed

Broad dark leaves deliver hearty texture and mild bitterness
Vigorous rosettes favor cool spring and fall conditions
Substantial foliage works raw or lightly cooked
Consistent moisture keeps leaves crisp and tender

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Cichorium endivia

Days to maturity

75 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

1000 Seeds

About Broadleaf Batavian Endive, Chicory Seed, Chicory Seed

Broadleaf Batavian endive seeds produce a vigorous leafy green with broad, dark green leaves that add a hearty texture and distinctive, mildly bitter flavor to various dishes. To plant these seeds, start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or sow them directly into well-drained soil in early spring or late summer for a fall crop. Space the seeds about 12 inches apart, either in rows or as a direct sowing, and plant them ¼ inch deep. If starting indoors, transplant seedlings outdoors once they are 3-4 inches tall and all danger of frost has passed.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/4"

Days to Germination

5–14 days

In-row plant spacing

6-12"

Row Spacing

12-18"

Plant profile

Maturity

Spring, Fall

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

48 inches

Growth Habits

Rosette

Type

Endive

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

22,500

Color

Green

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Growing Season

Cool-Season Crop

Before Planting

Prepare for Chicory by selecting a full-sun location in cool weather or light afternoon shade in warmer conditions, with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Work in compost and prepare a fine, level, weed-free seedbed. Plan dependable irrigation and avoid fresh manure or excessive nitrogen immediately before planting.

Planting

Plant chicory seed outdoors during cool weather, beginning when the soil is workable. Keep the upper soil evenly moist until emergence, and provide light shade if warm conditions threaten germination. Thin chicory to 6–12 inches for mature heads or roots; baby-leaf stands may be closer. Make small succession sowings every 1–3 weeks while temperatures remain suitable.

Watering

Maintain consistently moist soil so chicory leaves remain tender and mild. Water at the root zone whenever the upper soil begins drying, avoiding drought stress, saturation, and frequent wet foliage.

Fertilizer

Apply a light nitrogen-rich feeding after chicory establishes if growth is pale or slow. Follow soil-test guidance and avoid overfertilizing, which causes tender, weak, or bitter growth.

Harvesting

Harvest outer chicory leaves when tender and usable, leaving the growing center intact for regrowth. Pick during the cool morning and cut whole plants before bolting, toughness, or declining flavor.

Tips

Make small succession sowings of chicory and use shade cloth as weather warms. Harvest outer leaves often, and remove bolting plants before they become bitter or scatter unwanted seed.

Pests & Diseases

Anthracnose, bacterial soft rot, downy mildew, and Sclerotinia rot can affect chicory. Sunken lesions or cottony growth near the crown deserve quick removal. Rotate away from lettuce and other chicories, keep soil out of harvested heads, and prevent injuries that allow soft-rot bacteria to enter during handling.

Chicory may be marked by aphids, flea beetles, leafminers, slugs, or caterpillars. Check the center and leaf undersides, handpick visible feeders, and remove heavily mined foliage; netting protects young plants.